§ Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Power what percentage return he expects to receive on capital invested in undertakings for which he has departmental responsibility.
§ Mr. MarshCapital is invested in the nationalised industries at rates of interest reflecting Exchequer borrowing rates at the times the advances are made. The gross rates of return (consisting of interest, depreciation and surplus) which the electricity and gas industries have agreed to seek to earn on their capital employed are (as a percentage of net assets employed):
Electricity (England and Wales only) 12.4 per cent. Gas .2 per cent. The National Coal Board's objective is to break even after providing £10 million towards the replacement of fixed assets at current as distinct from original costs.