§ Mr. Gwynfor Evansasked the Minister of Transport what was the total sum given in financial aid to all railway lines in the United Kingdom in 1968–69 and 1969–70; what percentage of this sum was expended on railway lines wholly in Wales; and what is his estimate for 197–71.
§ Mr. MulleyUnder the Transport Act, 1962, £147.4 million was paid to the Railways Board to meet their overall deficit for the calendar year 1968. It is not possible to apportion any part of this to Welsh services.
Under the Transport Act, 1968, grants were paid under Sections 39 and 40 totalling £76.1 million for the calendar year 1969. The Estimates for 197–71 include provision for grants totalling £69.5 million in relation to the calendar year 1970.
195WThe percentage of Section 39 grants paid in respect of railway services which operate wholly in Wales was 3.1 per cent. in 1969 and is estimated to be 2.9 per cent. in 1970. The equivalent percentages in respect of Section 40 grants cannot readily be calculated.