HC Deb 22 February 1979 vol 963 cc265-6W
Mr. Emery

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total debt that has been written off in the years 1963 to 1978 for all public corporations.

969, c. 161], gave the following available information:

Mr. Joel Barnett

The total central Government debt of the public corporations written off in the period 1963–78 amounted to £4,044 million.

Mr. Emery

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present total of foreign borrowing by public corporations; what is the amount or the estimate of the £ sterling cost having to be borne by Government, not the public corporations, due to the alterations in exchange rates affecting this borrowing; and why costs when they arise are not a charge on the individual public corporation rather than borne by Government and so increase the central Government borrowing requirement.

Mr. Joel Barnett

I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr. Emery

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will list the total revenue, net of capital consumption, the total wages and salaries, the total interest paid and the surplus or deficit that then accrues, and the combined total of this deficit, from the accounts of public corporations for the years 1963 to 1978; and if he will make a statement on what action the Government is taking to reduce this deficit.

Mr. Denzil Davies

I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.