Written question asked by Sandra Osborne (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 November 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 November 1998. It was answered by Geoffrey Robinson (Labour) on Thursday, 19 November 1998 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many previous privatisations have involved Government golden shares; and how many of these remain. - Includes table. (Holding answer 18 November 1998).

Answer: Ms Osborne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many previous privatisations have involved Government golden shares; and how many of these remain. [59958] Mr. Geoffrey Robinson: [holding answer 18 November 1998]: The Government have issued 51 golden shares in privatisations. Most of the temporary golden shares have since expired. The table shows the Government's remaining holdings of 20 golden shares in privatised companies. UK Government's holdings of golden shares _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Company Expires Cable & Wireless Non time limited Sealink Stena Line Non time limited British Aerospace Non time limited VSEL Consortium Non time limited BG plc. Non time limited Rolls Royce Non time limited BAA Non time limited National Grid Group Non time limited National Power Non time limited PowerGen Non time limited Scottish Power Non time limited Scottish Hydro Electric Non time limited Northern Ireland Electricity Non time limited Belfast International Airport Non time limited British Energy {1}Non time limited Nuclear Electric Non time limited Scottish Nuclear Non time limited AEA Technology 30 September 1999 Rosyth Royal Dockyard (On completion of nuclear works) Devonport Royal Dockyard (On completion of nuclear works) _________________________________________________________________________________________________. {1} but may be redeemed after 30 September 2006

Secondary information