§ Mr. Ryderasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he proposes to take in the light of comments he has received on the consultation note on nationalised industries legislation issued on 20 December 1984.
§ Mr. MacGregorMy predecessor announced on 9 May that the Government did not intend to propose general nationalised industry legislation in the 1985–86 Session. In view of the progress that is being made on the privatisation programme, and given other legislative priorities, the Government have now decided not to proceed with general legislation in any later Session of this Parliament. Discussions were held with the Nationalised Industries' Chairmen's Group both on the proposals in the consultaion note and on alternative approaches put forward by the group with a view to increasing the corporations' effectiveness and commercial vitality. Useful progress has been made in these discussions which will continue. The progress made will be borne closely in mind if further legislative proposals in respect of any individual corporations are brought forward. The Government intend to continue to strengthen the industries to the point where they can either be transferred to the private sector or, where necessary, remain as successful businesses within the public sector.