§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has as to the total number of partly paid BP shares sold back to the Bank of England; and what the cost of the purchase has been to the bank.
§ Mr. DarlingTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will indicate the number of British Petroleum shares purchased by the Bank of England as at 6 January 1988 under the special arrangements; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman Lamont[holding answer 11 January 1988]: Approximately 39 million shares, at a cost of about £27 million.