HC Deb 21 November 1984 vol 68 c167W
36. Mr. Tim Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why the draft prospectus for the sale of shares in British Telecom plc proposes restrictions on general meetings of shareholders.

Mr. Pattie

The draft prospectus for the sale of shares in British Telecom does not propose restrictions on attendance at general meetings. It does however give notice that if a very large number of persons are allocated shares the company may need to seek authority to restrict or regulate, so far as necessary, attendance at general meetings on a basis as fair as possible to all members and without prejudice to voting rights.

37. Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his latest estimate of the full cost to public funds — including underwriters' fees — of the arrangements for the privatisation of British Telecom.

Mr. Pattie

Disclosure of actual costs will be made to Parliament by means of a Spring Supplementary Estimate.