§ Mr. I. Thomasasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the total of the borrowings of the Coal Commission to 31st March, 1944, or other convenient date; what borrowings have been repaid; and whether further borrowing powers will be necessary.
Major Lloyd GeorgeA total of£71,500,000 3 per cent. Coal Commission Guaranteed Stock, 1980–2016, was issued by the Commission during 1943 at 97½ per cent., out of which their temporary borrowings of£3,253,000 were repaid. The issue of£35,000,000 3 per cent. Coal Commission Stock in August, 1943, and of£36,500,000 of similar Stock in December, 1943, were both announced in Parliament. The Commission are already authorised by Sections 26 and 27 of the Coal Act, 1938, to borrow up to£76,450,000 and it is not anticipated that further borrowing powers will be necessary.