§ Mr. Frank R. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will make a further statement about the effects of rail freight charges on the price of domestic solid fuels.
§ Mr. VarleyI told the House on 26th June that British Rail would be rebating until November the increase in freight rates that would otherwise have applied to domestic solid fuels with effect from2W 30th June 1974, and that I would be introducing a Supplementary Estimate to reimburse British Rail for the losses involved. This rebate scheme is to be extended beyond November and British Rail have also arranged to grant rebates in the same way in respect of the further increase in freight charges introduced on 6th October.
The total losses as a result of the scheme incurred by British Rail, up to the end of this financial year, will be around £4.2 million and I shall be introducing a Supplementary Estimate to reimburse them. Any expenses before the Supplementary Estimate is approved will continue to be met from the Contingencies Fund.