§ Mr. Wallerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has for achieving the expanded programme of asset sales in 1983–84 which he announced on 7 July, Official Report, column 418.
§ Mr. LawsonI expect to raise up to £500 million of the asset sales which I am seeking before the end of the 1983–84 financial year from an offer for sale of a further tranche of BP shares. Parliamentary approval for expenditure in connection with such a sale of BP shares will be sought in a new Vote which will be introduced in a Supplementary Estimate. Pending that approval, any necessary expenditure will be met by repayable advances from the Contingencies Fund.