asked the Secretary of State for Energy how much money has already been paid to the merchant bank of N. M. Rothschild for advice on the forthcoming sale of the British National Oil Corporation's oil and gas assets.

This is a matter for the British National Oil Corporation, which N. M. Rothschild and Sons is advising. I understand that the corporation has so far paid no fees to Rothschilds for advice on the forthcoming sale of shares in Britoil.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will provide an estimate of the amount of money to be paid to merchant banks for advice regarding the forthcoming sale of the British National Oil Corporation's oil and gas assets.

The British National Oil Corporation's costs are a matter for the corporation. It is too soon to estimate my Department's expenses.