HC Deb 13 May 1969 vol 783 cc187-8W
Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he now expects the first activation of Special

Government Departments and nationalised industries.

Mr. Harold Lever

Rates vary according to the period and method of repayment and the purpose for which the loan is made. At the lowest end the bulk of Government overseas assistance is interest free. The highest rate at present is 9¾ per cent. charged by the Board of Trade on the amortized sale of factories, where part of the cost is covered by a building grant.

Those nationalised industries providing credit facilities from their own resources charge a rate comparable with the rates attached to similar facilities available in the private sector.