§ LORD AMMONMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there is any information as to the reported setting up of an internationally owned marketing company to sell Persian oil with the United States as the predominant partner.]
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, the reports to which the noble Lord refers are inaccurate; but as Her Majesty's Government have only just entered into discussions with the Persian Government about this complex problem, I think it would be premature to say more about it publicly at this early stage.
§ LORD AMMONMy Lords, I thank the noble Marquess for his reply, and will follow the advice it contains.