HC Deb 25 November 1981 vol 13 cc397-8W
39. Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what were the external financing limits placed upon British Railways for each year since 1978 at 1978 prices; and what is the expected amount for the year 1982–83.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

External financing limits apply to fiscal years. The following table shows both the limits and the actual requirements of the British Railways Board since 1978–79 at 1978–79 outturn prices.

British Railways Board: External Finance Limits and requirements
Limit £ million Actual Requirement
1978–79 650 620
1979–80 658 612
1980–81 572 572
1981–82 600 *600

* Note: Latest estimate

The figures for 1978–79 and 1979–80 included provision for pension funding grants of £86.6 million and £106.9 million respectively. These grants have not counted against the EFL from 1980–81 onwards.

The external financing limit for 1982–83 will be announced in due course.