HC Deb 26 July 1960 vol 627 cc108-9W
62. Mr. Osborne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will refuse to give his consent to the sale of Richard Thomas and Baldwins' ordinary shares by the Iron and Steel Holding and Realisation Agency until the fixed interest capital of the denationalised steel companies which will have to be sold at a discount has been disposed of at satisfactory prices, with a view to ensuring that the Realisation Agency will not be left with a heavy capital loss on preference and debenture stocks whilst the private purchaser makes a profit on the ordinary shares; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Amory

As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power informed the House on 27th June, this is a matter of priorities which must be left for settlement from time to time in the light of all the circumstances.