§ Mr. Beaneyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what was the total amount of interest charges paid by local authorities in England and Wales in 1961–62; and what are the estimated amounts in 1962–63 and 1963–64.
§ Sir K. JosephThe latest estimates for 1961–62 and 1962–63 are £297 million and £330 million respectively. It is impossible to make a firm estimate of the amount in 1963–64 because this will depend on the levels of interest rates during that year. If they continue as at present the figure for 1963–64 might be about 10 per cent. higher than that for 1962–63.