§ Mr. Michael BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he intends to exercise his option, under the articles of association, to require Amersham International plc to redeem on 31 March his special rights preference share in the company.
§ Mr. Parkinson[pursuant to his reply, 29 March 1988]: The special rights preference share has offered Amersham International plc protection against take-over during adjustment to the private sector following privatisation in February 1982. Under the articles of associaton I have been able to require redemption of the special share at any time on or after 31 March 1988.
I think it no longer necessary for the protection to continue and have therefore decided to exercise the option open to me and to redeem the special share forthwith.