§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the original cost of the State's share in the British Petroleum Company; what is his estimate of the total national gain in dividends and capital appreciation to date; and whether he will now take steps to restore the national holding to over 50 per cent.
§ Mr. Diamond£36,155,000. Dividends up to 31st December, 1966, amounted to £260,753,594. Capital appreciation on paper is about £500 million.
The Government have no present intention of restoring their shareholding to over 50 per cent.