§ Mr. Merchantasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what have been the proceeds from privatising public sector assets in each fiscal year since 1979–80, divided into the following categories: (a) sale of public sector enterprises, (b) sale of public sector assets (land and so on) and (c) sale of council housing.
§ Mr. MooreNet receipts to the Exchequer from disposals regarded as falling within the Government's privatisation programme are classified as special sales of assets. Proceeds from special sales of assets in each year since 1979–80 are shown in table 1, divided between receipts from sales of Government shareholdings in companies, and receipts from other disposals, mostly of land and buildings. Full details were given in the "Government's Expenditure Plans 1985–86 to 1987–88", Cmnd. 9428 vol. II, table 2.14.
Figures for central Government and local authority sales other than special sales of assets, consisting of routine disposals of land, buildings, vehicles, plant and machinery, are given in table 2. Of these, sales of council housing are by far the largest component. Estimated receipts from council house sales are given in table 3.
§ Mr. MooreThe recent speculation about possible changes in the present tax regime has provoked a considerable number of letters from hon. Members and members of the public, in addition to many representations from various trade associations and representative bodies. Almost all have expressed opposition to any such change.