HC Deb 12 March 1990 vol 169 c3W
Mrs. Gorman

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the activities his Department will carry out after the privatisation of the electricity industry and British Coal.

Mr. Wakeham

My Department will carry out such activities as are appropriate to the achievement of its objectives as stated in chapter 5 (energy) of "Government's Expenditure Plans 1990–91 to 1992–93" (Cm. 1005).

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what was the total sum paid out in fees to outside organisations in the furtherance of privatisation by his Department in 1979–80 and in each subsequent year; and what is his estimate for 1990–91.

Mr. Wakeham

Total expenditure on fees paid to outside organisations in relation to the privatisation of Amersham International, Britoil and Enterprise Oil could not be provided without incurring disproportionate cost. Fees paid to outside organisations in the case of the privatisation of British Gas and in the preparation for the privatisation of the electricity supply industry in England and Wales are:

£ million
British Gas ESI
1985–86 1.4
1986–87 162.4
1987–88 10.5 0.8
1988–89 11.1 5.5
11989–90 2.2 16.0
1 Estimated outturn.

Estimated expenditure for 1990–91 will be published as part of the supply estimates later this month.