66. Mr. J. Hillasked the Minister of Power if he will state the total amount of interest paid by the National Coal Board since 1st January, 1947; and how much of this has been paid to the former coal owners.
§ Mr. Wood:Between 1st January, 1947, and 31st March, 1962, the National Coal Board paid £278 million interest on capital liabilities to the Exchequer, of which £137 million was in respect of vesting liabilities. The Board also paid £63 million in reimbursement of interim income paid by the Exchequer to former colliery owners.