After reviewing the theory of social cost-benefit analysis, the paper uses it to illustrate necessary and sufficient conditions for public provision. (A)Under symmetric information and benevolent government, public provision is socially beneficial when there is a well defined public production...

Public enterprises are production units of goods or services under government control. In spite of wide privatizations in the last two decades, public provision in this form can be observed in many countries and sectors, particularly in education, health, transport, energy and environment. This...