HC Deb 14 November 1985 vol 86 cc272-3W
Mr. Blair

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report a table comparable with Cmnd. 9428.II, showing by programme for the years 1984–85 to 1987–88 the actual and projected proceeds of sales of land and buildings which are outside the special sales of assets programme and which are ruled off against programme totals.

Mr. MacGregor

[pursuant to his reply, 11 November 1985, c. 70]: The table shows sales of land and buildings by programme for the years 1984–85 to 1987–88. They include sales by local authorities and new towns as well as central Government and are consistent with the figures published in the 1985 public expenditure White Paper (Cmnd. 9428).

Mr. Blair

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing, by programme for the years 1979–80 to 1987–88, the actual and projected proceeds of public sector sales of assets outside the special sales of assets programme, but excluding sales of land and buildings.

Mr. MacGregor

[pursuant to his reply, 11 November 1985; c. 70]: It is not possible to identify fully the sales of assets, other than those from special sales and sales of land and buildings, within the public expenditure figures. However, the amounts involved are likely to be relatively small.

Mr. Blair

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report the assumed level of proceeds in 1985–86 to 1987–88 from asset sales retained in nationalised businesses in Cmnd. 9428-II, table 2.2 figures, in a form consistent with the form of the Chief Secretary's reply on 26 July, Official Report, columns 861–2.

Mr. MacGregor

[pursuant to his reply, 11 November 1985; c. 70]: Nationalised industries' forecast receipts from asset sales, included in the total internal resources figures shown in tables 5.1 and 5.5 of Cmnd. 9428-II, were as follows:

1985–86 1986–87 £ million 1987–88
206* 76 59
* Excluding National Coal Board

It is not appropriate to publish forecast figures for individual industries because of commercial uncertainties and confidentiality.