asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he is so far able to make about the cost of the three-day working week in terms of lost production, lower exports, reduced investment, and incomes forgone, taking into account any offsetting factors.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give the total estimated daily or weekly costs to the nation due to lost production following the introduction of the three-day working week.

The effects of the three-day working week differ from industry to industry, according to individual circumstances, and no overall estimate is possible at the present stage. As Her Majesty's Government have explained, however, the three-day working week is necessary if the essential savings of energy are to be made in the current circumstances.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will ease or defer payments of PAYE and VAT by small businesses while the three-day week remains in force.

I will let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.