HC Deb 12 November 1990 vol 180 c74W
22. Mr. Moate

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement about electricity privatisation.

Mr. Wakeham

Good progress continues to be made. The Government are on target for the flotation of the 12 regional electricity companies in early December and more than 6 million people have registered with the electricity share information office.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what risks are the electricity privatisation underwriters being given to carry and what risks have the Government agreed to accept.

Mr. Wakeham

The underwriters of the sale of the 12 regional electricity companies will be expected to carry the same risks as underwriters have carried in recent privatisations except that in the event of an outbreak of hostilities in the middle east there will be arrangements under which the offer can be terminated.