HC Deb 19 February 1985 vol 73 c413W
Mr. Andrew MacKay

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give details of any details of any changes to his Department's cash limit.

Mr. Peter Walker

[pursuant to his reply, 12 November 1984, c. 93]: Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate, the cash limit on Class IV, Vote 5 will be increased by £20 million from £142,869,000 to £162,869,000.

The increase represents provision for a further grant of £25 million to the British National Oil Corporation, the reasons for which were explained in the minute which my Department laid before the House on 13 February 1985.

The corporation's external financing requirement for 1984–85 is revised from £41 million to £66 million. There are reduced requirements amounting to £5 million elsewhere on Class IV, Vote 5. The net increase of £20 million in public expenditure will be charged to the Reserve.