§ Mr. Gowasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the total remuneration of the directors of the National Freight Corporation during each of the seven years ended 31st December 1975.
§ Dr. GilbertThe total remuneration of members of the NFC Board for each year was:
- 1969—£35,400.
- 1970—£34,687.
- 1971—£30,209.
- 1972—£28,838.
- 1973—£30,171.
- 1974—£33,613.
- 1975—£35,018.
§ Mr. Gowasked the Secretary of State for the Environment by how much the net assets of the National Freight Corporation exceed its liabilities.
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§ Dr. GilbertIn the corporation's consolidated balance sheet as at 31st December 1975, net assets—defined as fixed current assets less current liabilities and provisions—amount to £60.2 million.
§ Mr. Gowasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many people are at present employed by the National Freight Corporation; and what were the equivalent figures in each of the last seven years.
§ Dr. GilbertThe latest figure of NFC employees is 46,800 for 1975. The aver-age numbers employed in previous years were:
- 1969–66,000.
- 1970–65,500.
- 1971–59,000.
- 1972–53,500.
- 1973–51,000.
- 1974–50,300.
§ Mr. Gowasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to ensure that the statutory duty of the National Freight Corporation to break even financially is fulfilled during the year ending 31st December 1976.
§ Dr. GilbertI refer the hon. Member to the Answer given today to my hon. Friend, the Member for Consett (Mr. Watkins).
§ Mr. Gowasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will list the ages of the present directors of the National Freight Corporation.
§ Dr. GilbertAll board members of the National Freight Corporation are part-time and it is not normal practice to ask part-time members of nationalised industry board to declare their ages.
§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the review of the financial position of the National Freight Corporation to be completed.
§ Dr. GilbertThe consultants have completed their report and I am considering it. The issues are complex and close consultation with those affected will be necessary. Meanwhile the corporation will continue to do all it can to minimise its need for outside finance and the Government will continue to provide the minimum amount of grant necessary to enable1192W it to meet its financial obligations. Legislation will be introduced as soon as possible to provide specific statutory backing for grants to the Corporation.