§ 14. Mr. James Lamondasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest estimate of the proceeds from asset sales for 1986–87.
§ Mr. MacGregorPrivatisation proceeds in 1986–87 are expected to be about £4¾ billion, as indicated in the 1986 public expenditure White Paper.
§ Mr. LamondAs the gas industry in this country already has the widest possible ownership, that is, every citizen of the land, what is the point of continuing with a £20 million advertising campaign — all at the cost of consumers of gas? That is enough money to provide every retirement pensioner in this country with a week's free gas to see them over the winter.
§ Mr. MacGregorWhat the Government have been embarking on in their privatisation programme is not only of great benefit to industry and the economy, but provides true public ownership by the wider extension of shares.