§ Baroness Blatchasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress towards the privatisation of the Crown Suppliers has been made.
The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (The Earl of Caithness)I announced on 3rd February that it was intended to invite bids for those of the Crown Suppliers' businesses which can be undertaken on a normal commercial basis. We expect soon to appoint a financial institution to advise on the best method of effecting the sale.