Electricity Distribution Companies

HC Deb 26 April 1990 vol 171 cc276-7W

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to publish the prospectus for the sale of electricity distribution companies.

Mr. Wakeham

The prospectus for the sale of the electricity distribution companies will be published on impact day. It is too early to say when this will be.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to float the electricity distribution companies.

Mr. Wakeham

Subject to the market conditions at the time, it is planned to float the electricity distribution companies in November 1990.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his current estimate of the value of the electricity distribution companies.

Mr. Wakeham

The market value of the electricity distribution companies will depend on a wide range of factors including the profitability of the companies, their capital structures, their future prospects and the state of the market. It is, therefore, too early to estimate the likely proceeds for the sale of the companies.