asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of share interest paid by societies registered under the Industrial and Provident Acts for the last year to which the report of the Chief Registrar refers.

Share interest amounting to £8,420,000 was paid in 1975 by societies registered under the Industrial and Provident Acts and classified by the Registry of Friendly Societies as retail, wholesale and productive societies. Figures for 1976 are now being collected and will be published in the Chief Registrar's report later this year.