HC Deb 25 April 1984 vol 58 cc540-1W
Mr. Fallon

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why grant in aid to the National Economic Development Council has been increased by 34 and 17 per cent., respectively, in the last two financial years; and what results have arisen from these increases.

Mr. Peter Rees

The increase in 1983–84 is largely attributable to a reallocation of £1.1 million to the National Economic Development Office (NEDO) from the Property Services Agency, in reflecting a change to a repayment basis for property services. The increase in 1984–85 reflects the changeover to grant-in-aid financing, which means that NEDO will in future carry expenditure which has hitherto fallen elsewhere in the public sector. The most important element is a payment of £643,000 to the Treasury in respect of superannuation contributions.

Mr. Fallon

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why salaries and superannuation paid from grant in aid to the National Economic Development Council have increased by 29 per cent. in 1984–85 over 1983–84; and what results are expected.

Mr. Peter Rees

Most of the increase is due to provision having to be made for the employers' superannuation contribution to the principal Civil Service pension scheme as a result of the changeover to grant-in-aid financing. The balance represents an allowance for pay increases in line with those for the Civil Service.