HC Deb 22 April 1958 vol 586 cc768-70
39. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amounts have been allocated to each of the nationalised industries in the total estimate of £370 million advances for 1958–59.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Derick Heathcoat Amory)

It is not the practice to publish analyses of the figures "below the line" in the Budget.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Can the Chancellor give any indication of how much of the £370 million has been allocated to the British Transport Commission for the modernisation plan?

Mr. Amory

The aggregate figure is the best estimate that can be made of the requirements of several industries taken together, in the light of the approved investment programme. The particular amounts in each case are not absolutely immutable, but are subject to adjustment according to the way things work out during the year. It is, therefore, rather difficult, and I am not sure that it would be useful, to give absolutely specific figures for the initial allocations at the beginning of the year.

Mr. Ernest Davies

But why cannot the right hon. Gentleman give such a figure when a limit has been put on the amount that can be borrowed? Surely it is possible to fix a maximum without giving any indication of what has been borrowed.

Mr. Amory

I have said that the control we are exercising is a flexible one, and I want it to remain flexible.

Mr. H. Wilson

Is the Chancellor aware that there is a widespread belief that, no doubt through inadvertence, he himself gave inaccurate figures on this question in his television interview last week? I may add that I, for one, thoroughly sympathise with him on the difficulties of these broadcasts. In view of that uncertainty, will he take the first opportunity, in response to my hon. Friend's Question, to make a statement in the House?

Mr. Amory

I am glad that the right hon. Gentleman has raised that point if there is any uncertainty at all about the figures I quoted. I think that the figures I quoted there were accurate figures, but I will look into this, and if there is any uncertainty in people's minds I will do my best to remove it.

Mr. Gaitskell

If the right hon. Gentleman feels that he does not want to be tied down to a figure, would not it be better, in view of the obscurity that surrounds the subject, for him to give an undertaking either to publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT or to announce in the House what the elements were within particular limits?

Mr. Amory

I will certainly look into it, because I want the House to have all the information that can reasonably be given, provided that it is accurate information and will not mislead. If there is any possibility of doubt having been created by what I said, I am glad that the right hon. Gentleman has raised the matter but, to the best of my knowledge, the figures I used then were correct.