§ Mr. OlnerTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the current capitalisation values of(a) British Telecom, (b) British Steel, (c) British Gas, (d) the privatised water industry, (e) the privatised electricity industry, including the distribution element—Powergen and National Power and (f) the coal industry.
§ Sir George YoungThe capitalisations of BT, British Steel, British Gas, the privatised water and sewerage companies and the privatised electricity companies are shown in the table. They reflect the market's assessment of the increased value achieved by the companies concerned since their flotation. The capitalisation of the privatised coal industry cannot be readily determined.
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Capitalisation of Privatised industries Company(ies) 1Capitalisation (£ billion) BT 24.6 British Steel 3.1 British Gas 13.5 Water and sewerage companies (10 companies) 11.8 Electricity companies2 (17 companies) 30.4 1 As at close of business, 10 February 1995. 2 Excludes the four generating companies in Northern Ireland which are not listed companies.