§ Mr. Michael Heseltineasked the Minister of Transport what part of the grant in respect of the Plymouth—Gunnislake service amounting to £103,000 for 1969 relates to interest as opposed to administration; how that interest is calculated; and what changes have come about in the interest charges for this line as a result of the capital write-off in the 1968 Act.
§ Mr. Marsh£12,000 relates to interest. In accordance with standard British Railways costing practice, this represents 5 per cent. of half the gross replacement cost of assets allocated to the service. This basis of charging is at present being reviewed, however, in the light of the recapitalisation and other matters; any consequential adjustments will be made retrospectively to the beginning of this year.