HC Deb 03 May 1976 vol 910 cc251-2W
23. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the activity of British Petroleum in making payments to Italian organisations.

Mr. Joel Barnett

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 29th April 1976 to a supplementary question by my hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Mr. Ward).—[Vol. 910, c. 552.]

Mr. Prescott

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now reconsider the terms and assurances given in the Bradbury letter which limits the Government's control and influence as a major shareholder in British Petroleum; and if he will now consider moving to bring this company within the ambit of the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries.

Mr. Joel Barnett

No.

Mr. Sedgemore

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report the Bradbury letter which deals with certain assurances given by the British Government to British Petroleum over the operation of the veto by ex officio Government directors; and if he will lay it before Parliament in the form of an instrument which requires the approval of Parliament.

Mr. Joel Barnett

The House was informed of the contents of the Bradbury letter in an oral answer on 26th March 1929. I do not propose to lay it before Parliament.