§ Q47. Mr. Rentonasked the Prime Minister whether she is satisfied with the progress since May 1979 towards privatisation in the public sector.
§ Q57. Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Prime Minister what further measures are proposed to dispose of publicly owned assets.
§ The Prime MinisterIn his answer to the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Foulkes) on 19 January 1982 my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury gave details of the progress made since May 1979 towards such privatisation. Since then the sale of Amersham International has taken place.
In addition, legislation to permit the sale of British Airways, the British Transport Docks Board, British Rail subsidiaries and the employment of private capital in British Telecom's activities is already on the statute book. Legislation at present before the House will permit the introduction of private capital into the National Bus Company and the sale of HGV/PSV testing stations, while the Oil and Gas (Enterprise) Bill will facilitate the sale of Britoil and the British Gas Corporation's major offshore oil assets. In addition, the British Gas Corporation has been directed to sell its 50 per cent. stake in the onshore Wytch Farm oilfield.