§ Mr. John Smithasked the Prime Minister how much he estimates will be refunded to bus operators in the next three months in respect of the increased duty on petrol and derv; and how many civil servants it will take to make this refund.
§ Mrs. CastleI have been asked to reply.
Parliamentary authority will have to be sought in the usual way before refunds of the increased duty can be paid, but I estimate that the amount to be refunded in respect of the next three months will be just under £¾ million.
No additional staff will be required.
350Wsix months, though a longer period may be allowed in the case of certain products such a capital equipment.