§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total expenditure by his Department in 1979–80 and the estimated expenditure in 1980–81 on fees and commission to any outside bodies providing advice to or acting as agents for his Department in furtherance of the policy of privatisation of the assets of his Department or of nationalised industries or other public bodies, and in the disposal of assets by other Departments or other public bodies.
§ Mr. BiffenTotal expenditure in 1979–80 on the diposal of shares held by the Treasury in the Suez Finance Company and British Petroleum was £8.1 million, net of tax.
Final decisions on disposals for 1980–81 have yet to be taken and it is not yet possible to give estimates of expenses which may be incurred.