§ Q20. Mr. Eggarasked the Prime Minister whether she is satisfied with the progress towards privatisation of nationalised industries.
§ The Prime MinisterConsiderable progress has been made, and I particularly welcome the recent successful flotation of British Aerospace. But we still have far to go and will seize every opportunity to do so.
§ Q27. Mr. Rentonasked the Prime Minister what further progress will be made in the current year towards introducing private capital into the nationalised industries.
§ The Prime MinisterIn 1980–81 disposals totalled about £440 million. Our disposals target for next year is £500 million.
We are also looking for ways of allowing nationalised industries to borrow direct from the market where these would bring pressure to bear for improved performance and would avoid excessive monetary growth.