§ Mr. Boydenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present cost of servicing the National Debt; and how this compares with 1951.
Mr. MacmillanIt is estimated that in the current financial year the net cost of servicing the National Debt will be £625 million. This represents interest and management charges, less interest on below the line advances by the Exchequer. The corresponding figure in the financial year 1951–52 was £513 million.