asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the advisability of soiling all shares in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company now held by His Majesty's Government, in view of the considerable profit which is obtainable, and seeing that such a sale would remove a possible source of friction and suspicion between rival interests and at the same time prove of benefit to the taxpayer?

This question has, of course, been considered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that there is no sale of shares which imperils our voting control over the company?

That, of course, will be borne in mind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is the result of that consideration?

I think I would rather not.