§ Dr. Michael Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement about his Department's expenditure in connection with the intended sale of shares in British Gas.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe Government's intention to privatise the British Gas Corporation was announced on 7 May 1985 at column 639. The Gas Bill is now before Parliament.
Pending parliamentary approval of the necessary Estimates, urgent payments in connection with preliminary and main sale expenses in 1986–87, including some payments in anticipation of the Bill, will be met from repayable advances from the Contingencies Fund.