The regulator concluded that the supply of dentistry in the UK was in need of urgent reform.

BBC: Dentistry 'needs urgent reform' says OFT

Because water supply is a natural local monopoly, any privatisation requires a strong and permanent public regulator.

ECONOMIST: Private passions

The regulator said the work could create 7, 000 jobs and secure Britain's energy supply.

BBC: Energy bill rises not enough, says National Grid

It is a hard question to answer in Britain, where the new Labour government is poised to levy a windfall tax on privatised utilities, where the electricity regulator will impose a tighter cap on electricity distribution charges in 2000, and where competition in the supply of electricity to domestic consumers is due to start next year.

ECONOMIST: Intoxicated by power