HC Deb 07 November 1991 vol 198 cc199-200W
Mr. David Porter

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether any changes will be made to the Office of Telecommunications' cash limit and running cost limit for 1991–92.

Mr. Lilley

Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary supplementary estimate, the cash limit for class IV vote 9, Office of Telecommunications, will be increased by £618,000 from £6,757,000 to £7,375,000. The running cost limit for the Office of Telecommunications will be increased by £254,000 from £6,037,000 to £6,291,000.

End-year flexibility entitlement of £341,000 on capital expenditure announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 17 July at columns 186–90, has been fully taken up. A £254,000 additional running cost provision is required for increased pay and associated other running costs mainly for 11 extra staff for new work stemming from the duopoly review. A £24,000 extra provision is required for the associated accruing superannuation liability charge. These increases are partly offset by an increase in appropriations in aid of £1,000.

The increase is within the forecast outturn for the planning total included in the Chancellor's autumn statement yesterday.

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