§ Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the level of subsidy to British Rail in each of the last five years; and what is the level for the next financial year.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe information is as follows:
£ million Central Government PSO Grant *Total grants from Central & Local Government out-turn prices constant 1983 prices out-turn prices constant 1983 prices 1979 485 736 547 831 1980 576 732 653 831 1981 749 852 833 948 1982 817 862 913 963 1983 †819 †819 †929 †929 * Includes the PSO grant, level crossing grant, research grant from central Government, payments by PTEs under section 20 of the Transport Act 1968. † Subject to adjustment for certain predetermined factors. Grant is at present paid for calendar not financial years. The cash limit set for the central Government PSO grant in 1984 is £865 million. The levels at which other grants will be paid to BR in 1984 have not yet been finalised.