asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the present number of building societies registered in this country; the total value of office premises owned by these societies; and the overheads and operating surpluses of the societies during their last financial year.
Written Answers. - Building Societies.
335.
I have been informed by the Registrar of Building Societies that there are at present 20 building societies on the register and that the returns forwarded to him by each society in respect of the year ended 31st December, 1976, show that their office premises at that date were valued at £6,343,858 and their overheads—namely, staff costs, advertising and office expenses—amounted to £4,604,444. By the total operating surplus, I am assuming the question to refer to the surplus of societies after payment of any interest, dividend or bonus to shareholders—in other words the sum which is available for payment of income tax and transfers to reserves. This surplus totalled £8,996,364 in 1976.