Britoil (Hansard, 11 January 1988)

§ Mr. Salmond
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions his Department had with BP concerning that company's intention to purchase shares in Britoil, prior to 8 December.

§ Mr. Norman Lamont
None.

§ Mr. Salmond
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions his Department has had with private companies about the Government's policy towards using their special rights preference share in Britoil; and on what dates such discussions took place.

§ Mr. Norman Lamont
Ministers and officials have frequent contacts with private companies. It is not usual practice to give details of the timing or subject matter of such meetings.
The Government have publicly stated that in present circumstances they intend to use its special share in Britoil to prevent any bidder from gaining control of the Britoil board.

§ Mr. Salmond
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he was first informed of the intention of the Atlantic Richfield Company of Los Angeles to purchase shares in Britoil.

§ Mr. Norman Lamont
The Government first learnt of the Atlantic Richfield Company's intention of purchasing shares in Britoil on Friday 11 December when a press release was issued.

§ Mr. Salmond
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he was first informed of BP's intention to purchase shares in Britoil.

§ Mr. Norman Lamont
BP informed the Government of its intention to purchase shares in Britoil on Tuesday 8 December.