HC Deb 08 March 1988 vol 129 cc128-9W
Mr. Soames

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his future plans for privatisation.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The Government have already announced their intention to privatise British Steel, and the water and electricity industries. There may also be other sales. No decision has been taken on the timing of future privatisations.

Mr. Soames

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the bodies privatised since 1979 and the proceeds that Her Majesty's Government have accrued therefrom.

Mr. Norman Lamont

A list of bodies privatised from 1979–80 to 1986–87 can be found in the Government's public expenditure White Papers published since 1984. In 1987–88 Rolls-Royce, BAA and Royal Ordnance plc were privatised and the Government also sold their 31 per cent. residual shareholding in BP. The latest estimate of proceeds for these and other asset sales in 1987–88 is £5 billion.