United States of America (Bicentennial Celebrations)

HC Deb 12 January 1976 vol 903 cc35-6W

Mr. Wigley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why no significant provision was made in the original Civil Estimates for the cost of the United States of America Bicentennial Celebrations; and if the known commitments referred to in the Supplementary Estimates Class II.3, Section B6(3) will be met during the current financial year.

Mr. Ennals

I have been asked to reply.

Only token provision was taken in the Estimates for 1975–6 because in November 1974, by which date the main Estimates for 1975–6 had to be compiled, it was not known what proportion of the total allocation to the USA bicentennial celebrations would be required in that year. The known commitments referred to in the Supplementary Estimates in question will be met during the current financial year. It is expected that additional known commitments of £15,000 which will appear in subsequent Supplementary Estimates will also be met in the current financial year.