HC Deb 18 July 1990 vol 176 c631W
42. Mr. Brandon-Bravo

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the National Enterprise Board cost in(a) 1975, (b) 1979 and (c) 1989; and whether he will make a statement about its future.

94. Mr. Burns

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the National Enterprise Board cost in(a) 1975, (b) 1979 and (c) 1989; and whether he will make a statement about its future.

135. Mr. Watts

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the National Enterprise Board cost in(a) 1975, (b) 1979 and (c) 1989; and whether he will make a statement about its future.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The National Enterprise Board was formed in late 1975 and there are therefore no figures for this year. In 1979 the net cost to the Exchequer was £222.4 million made up of £253.8 million of public dividend capital, subsequently repaid, repayment of loans and interest totalling £30.6 million and £0.8 million of taxes paid. In 1989 the Board remitted £1.3 million in taxes and £2 million in dividends to Her Majesty's Government.

Since 1981 the board has, with the National Research Development Corporation, operated as the British Technology Group. The Government consider that it would be appropriate for the British Technology Group to be transferred to the private sector when suitable arrangements can be made.