§ Mr. SHINWELLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the present value of the State's holding in Anglo-Persian stock; what is the annual interest over the past three years; and whether he is prepared to devote some portion of the profits in encouraging and assisting financially the Scottish shale oil industry?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe present value at market prices of the Government's holding of shares and debentures in the1796W Anglo-Persian Oil Company is approximately£33,242,000; and the dividends received in the past three years amounted to£885,030,£947,490 and£572,562, respectively. I am afraid it would be quite impossible to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the question, which in any event would require legislation, but the company, I feel assured, will take all possible steps to foster and improve the industry.