To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) with whom discussions have taken place about the sale by private treaty of PowerGen;(2) which companies are advising him on the possible sale of PowerGen by private treaty;(3) what steps are being taken to protect public financial interests under the private treaty method of sale for PowerGen.

In preparing the electricity industry for privatisation, I am bound to consider with my financial advisers all options for maximising proceeds consistent with the Government's objectives for the industry. All such discussions are confidential. It would not be right to rule out the possibility of a trade sale if a suitable purchaser emerged.