HC Deb 17 May 1956 vol 552 cc2194-5
25. Mr. Grimond

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what terms, particularly as regards interest and repayment, loans for capital purposes will, under his new policy, be lent to the nationalised industries.

Sir E. Boyle

The rates of interest on the advances will correspond broadly to those appropriate to Government credit for a comparable period of years. Precise details of the arrangements, including the appropriate terms for repayment, are at present under discussion with the authorities concerned.

Mr. Grimond

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether these loans are to be longterm loans and whether the Atomic Energy Authority is now to be charged interest on advances made to it?

Sir E. Boyle

I would ask the hon. Gentleman, if he kindly would, to wait until we reach Clause 34 of the Finance Bill, when, I promise, a Treasury Minister will make a full statement on all these matters.