§ Mr. WallerTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has plans for the capital reconstruction of Short Brothers plc in preparation for privatisation.
§ Mr. Tom KingI refer my hon. Friend to the reply given in the House earlier today to the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Hull, North (Mr. McNamara).
§ Sir Michael McNair-WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many proposals for purchasing Short Brothers have been received; and if he will make a statement about the likely progress of the measure to privatise the company including whether any legislation will be needed.
§ Mr. Viggers[holding answer 17 February 1989]: It would not be in the best interests of the privatisation of the company to disclose at this stage the number of replies received in response to the information memorandum. A short list of prospective purchasers is being compiled after which detailed negotiations will commence with a view to concluding the sale as quickly as possible. No special legislation will be required to effect the sale of the company.