HC Deb 23 April 1968 vol 763 c13
15. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Minister of Power what has been the capital expenditure during the last financial year, and to date during the current year, incurred on the purchase of fully owned, and partly owned, subsidiary companies of the National Coal Board, respectively, and in total, not directly concerned with the gaining of coal.

Mr. Gunter

I am informed by the Board that there has been none.

Mr. Osborn

First, how much has been spent on the acquisition of builders' merchants, particularly Sankey-P.G.W. Holdings? Second, for the future, will the Minister arrange for full details of capital expenditure and expenditure on new subsidiaries to be published in the annual accounts of this and other nationalised industries?

Mr. Gunter

Details of expenditure on such developments will be reflected in the Board's accounts for 1967–68. But the question asked is clearly answered, as the Board says that there has been none.