§ Mr. Milneasked the Minister of Power if he will state the amount paid in interest charges on money borrowed by the National Coal Board in each of the years from 1951 to 1963, and the rate of interest in each of those years.
§ Mr. ErrollInterest payable by the National Coal Board is published in the Board's accounts laid before Parliament:
— Interest Average rate in year £m. per cent.‡ 1951 14.5* 4.3 1952 14.5* 4.1 1953 16.5* 4.1 1954 17.5* 3.6 1955 20.8* 3.6 1956 21.3* 3.4 1957 26.1 3.9 1958 32.1 4.1 1959 36.8 4.1 1960 41.2 4.3 1961 42.1 4.4 1962 43.6 4.5 1963 41† 4.5† * Includes reimbursements to the Exchequer in respect of interim income paid to former colliery owners. † Estimated. ‡ Calculated on average of liabilities at beginning and end of year.