IT is, of course, not difficult to understand the criticism and dissatisfaction expressed by David J Crawford (Letters, February 2).

However, in advocating the reversal of privatisation, he is indulging in what David Torrance describes, in another context, as "fantasy politics" ("Fantasy politics just crumble when the harsh realities bite", The Herald, February 2). Adding salt to the wound is the fact that ministers during the 1980s at the time of major privatisation, decided to ensure the sell-off of the energy sector by fixing the prices of shares at a low level, thus enabling many, in facile fashion, to secure substantial profits.

On a number of occasions the Labour Party proposed to renationalise the energy industry, among others. One hears nothing of that today, apart from parties unlikely ever to achieve power, because of the costs of so doing. The implementation of the policies of the Thatcher years has brought the situation where most of the companies operating this strategic industry in the UK are owned by foreign shareholders, whose interests are paramount. The national interest has become a secondary consideration. Our country has become, in this respect, a cash cow in the hands of boards based, in most cases, abroad.

It is my belief that future , mature review of the Thatcher years will conclude that the sell-off of the energy sector was a monumental mistake. Many customers now feel that they are being exploited through the charges being imposed, and, when they raise complaints, the service they receive can often only be described as disgraceful.

The Thatcher Government's policy in this regard has been shown to be irreversible and we have all borne the cost , and will continue to do so, not only in strict financial terms, but also in the lack of structured planning of future energy resources. However, the fact is that there is no major political party prepared to find the stomach or the wherewithal to return to where we once were.

Ian W Thomson,

38 Kirkintilloch Road,

Lenzie.