§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he intends to make any further payments in the current year to British Railways and to the National Freight Corporation in addition to funds provided for in the Transport (Financial Provisions) Bill;
(2) if he will specify the payments made by the Government in each year (a) to British Railways in support of freight operations since the passing of the Railway Act 1974 and (b) to the National Freight Corporation by way of general financial support.
§ Mr. William RodgersGrant payments are as follows:
Grants will also be payable to British Railways in 1977 under the Transport Act 1968 and the Railways Act 1974, chiefly to support their passenger service and pensions obligations. How much more it might in addition be necessary to pay to either industry under authority of the Appropriation Acts will depend upon the date by which the Bill can be brought into effect.
£ million 1975 1976 1977 Support to rail freight … 59.5 39.5* — Support to NFC … — 22.0 3 * including £3.5 million in respect of 1975.