HC Deb 17 December 1987 vol 124 cc650-1W
Mr. Rowlands

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration he is giving to exercising his power as a special shareholder in Britoil under article 71B of that company's articles of association.

Mr. Norman Lamont

I am currently considering whether any of the circumstances provided for under article 71B of Britoil's articles of association apply in the present situation.

Mr. David Marshall

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to use Her Majesty's Government's special share in Britoil to prevent any takeover by any other company; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norman Lamont

If a takeover bid were made the Government would consider all the circumstances and then decide whether it would be appropriate to use the powers of the special share.