§ Mr. Gordon BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many shareholders in British Gas did not pay 333W the final instalment for their shares by the deadline on 26 April; and how much money was outstanding for these shares.
§ Mr. ParkinsonAt close of business on 26 April payments from more than 97 per cent. of investors had already been processed, leaving some 80,000 to go. This represented 99 per cent. of the £1,590 million instalment value. Since 26 April payments have been arriving at the rate of roughly 10,000 a day. Payments are still being accepted but any investor who has not paid at this stage is running an increasing risk of losing his shares.