§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the annual cost of price subsidies to the nationalised industries to enable them to conform to the counter-inflation legislation.
§ Mr. DellPayments to the Post Office and the gas and electricity industries under the Statutory Corporations (Financial Provisions) Act 1974 in compensation for price restraint are likely to amount to about £300 million in respect of 1973–74. It is not yet possible to give an estimate in respect of 1974–75. In addition, some part of the financial assistance of about £500 million required by the National Coal Board and the British Railways Board in respect of 1973–74 has been due to price restraint; but it is not possible to isolate this element.