HC Deb 04 December 1973 vol 865 c354W
Mr. Bishop

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT those private companies or undertakings in which the Government have a financial interest, or to which they have made grants ; if he will state the amount and percentage of the holding and of the grants, respectively, and under what legislation such was made ; what representations he has on the boards or controlling body of such companies ; and whether he considers such to be adequate in relation to the amount of public money invested.

Mr. Nott

, pursuant to his further reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 22nd November 1973 ; Vol. 864, c. 478–82], added the following information :

Notes This table covers all the shareholdings held by Government Departments except for a number of small groups of shares held mainly by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in mixed agricultural enterprises such as agricultural co-operatives. Their total nominal value is very small. Launching aid, grants made under general schemes, grants made by the Shipbuilding Industry Board, and grants below £500,000 have been excluded.

  1. (a) Where the Government has a substantial shareholding it has a corresponding influence on appointments to the Board.
  2. (b) The Sugar Board holds an additional 2,500,000 £1 Ordinary Shares.
  3. (c) The Public Trustee holds these shares on behalf of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.
  4. (d) Previously Kearney & Trecker Limited.
  5. (e) This will be the percentage of the Government's holding in the new company on full conversion.

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