§ Q15. Mr. Eggarasked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the performance of nationalised industries.
§ The Prime MinisterAlthough there has been substantial progress in recent years, there is still considerable room for further improvement in the performance of these. We have set a tight financial framework to ensure that disciplines that are commonplace in the private sector are also imposed on them. Performance aims are in place for a number of industries and we intend to maintain and improve their coverage.
I believe that the best way to ensure improved performance in the long term is to expose the industries to the effects of market forces; through the reduction of monopoly, and through privatisation including joint ventures and the introduction of private finance.