§ Mr. MillsTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on his assessment of the results of his privatisation policy.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe Government's privatisation policy has been a considerable success. Companies exposed to the commercial disciplines and freed from political control become more efficient, self-reliant, flexible and responsible to their cutstomers' needs. Privatisation has also led to wider share ownership giving people including employees in some of the industries concerned a direct stake in the success of British industry. I am pursuing the policy with plans for the privatisation of British Steel and Girobank, which I have already announced to the House, and my right hon. and noble Friend has successfully negotiated the return of the Rover Group to the private sector.