§ Mr. Hickmetasked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement about the effects on the British economy since 1979 as a result of the Government's privatisation programme; and what future effects she expects.
§ The Prime MinisterPrivatisation, through exposing former state-owned companies more fully to the disciplines and opportunities of the market, and reducing political interference, improves the efficiency of businesses that are crucial to our overall economic performance. As such, it forms an important part of the Government's overall strategy for long-term economic growth.
The privatisation programme is also promoting the widening of share ownership, further reinforcing the enterprise culture that is essential for economic success.
Since 1979 12 major companies, comprising some 20 per cent. of the state commercial sector, have been privatised. By the end of this Parliament, a further 20 per cent. should have been transferred to the private sector.
§ Mr. Hickmetasked the Prime Minister if she will list the countries whose Governments have asked the United Kingdom for information or help in formulating their own privatisation policies.
§ The Prime MinisterThe success of the United Kingdom's privatisation programme is internationally recognised. A number of overseas Governments and Members of Parliament have approached Government Departments here, as well as City institutions, privatised companies and other bodies, to ask about our privatisation experience. It would not be practical to list all the Governments who have made these inquiries, as no central record is kept.