§ Mr. MacGregorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what will be the total addition to British Railways' costs in 1977–78 of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's increase of 2 per cent. on employers' national insurance contributions; and whether he intends to increase Government grants in compensation.
§ Dr. GilbertAbout 15 million. Cmnd. 6393 assumes that passenger grant will not exceed its 1975 level in real terms. Its amount in money terms in 1977–78 will depend on the rate of inflation. As I informed the House on 24th February 1976, the freight grant is for a transitional period. I have asked the board to make substantial progress towards phasing it out this year and next, and to consider the implications of eliminating it completely in 1978.