HC Deb 16 February 1990 vol 167 cc469-70W
Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy by what process he chose the 12 estate agents who are advising him on the sale of the electricity supply industry.

Mr. Wakeham

The Department's adviser was chosen as a result of a competitive tender. Firms of surveyors for the 12 area boards, the National Grid Company, PowerGen and National Power were jointly appointed by the Department and the company concerned.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what considerations underlie his decision to seek the advice of 12 estate agents on the sale of the electricity supply industry.

Mr. Wakeham

Firms of surveyors are providing valuations of the property assets of the electricity supply industry to both the Department and the industry to ensure that value is obtained for these assets as a result of the privatisation.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what was the name of the unsuccessful company which tendered for appointment as marketing and public relations adviser to the Government and the electricity supply industry on electricity privatisation.

Mr. Wakeham

Lowe Bell Communications was the firm that tendered for the position as joint marketing and public relations adviser to the Government and the electricity industry and was not appointed.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what was the name of the unsuccessful company which tendered for appointment as special marketing and public relations adviser on electricity privatisation to his Department.

Mr. Wakeham

Dewe Rogerson was the firm that tendered for the position as special marketing and public relations adviser to the Department of Energy and was not appointed.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether the contracts with the 12 estate agents who are advising him on the sale of the electricity supply industry preclude them from offering advice or professional services to any purchaser or potential purchaser of shares in the electricity supply industry or any part of its property before and after privatisation.

Mr. Wakeham

Contracts with firms of surveyors include both strict confidentiality clauses and requirements to consult me regarding any potential conflict of interest.