HC Deb 28 June 1978 vol 952 cc586-7W
Mr. Sillars

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is able to estimate the total amount of interest payments made to central Government and private financial institutions, in the latest available financial year, by Scottish local authorities and public bodies.

Mr. Denzil Davies

Payments of debt interest by Scottish local authorities are provisionally estimated at £440 million in 1976–77. the latest financial year available.

Comprehensive information for Scottish public bodies is not available. Payments by the following bodies are estimated at £127 million in 1976–77:

  • South of Scotland Electricity Board;
  • North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board;
  • Scottish Transport Group;
  • Scottish Development Agency;
  • Scottish Special Housing Association;
  • Aberdeen Manpower Board;
  • Clyde Port Authority;
  • Dundee Port Authority;
  • Forth Ports Authority;
  • Greater Glasgow passenger Transport Executive.

The figures include payments of debt interest to all sectors of the economy, at home and overseas. Separate figures are not available for payments to central Government and private financial institutions.