Subsidies mean A. payment by government for purchase of goods and services B. payment made by business enterprises to factors of production C. payment made by companies to shareholders D. payment made by the government to business enterprises, without buying any goods and services

The correct answer is D.

A subsidy is a form of financial assistance paid to an individual, business, or institution, usually by the government, to assist in the purchase of goods or services or to encourage the development of a particular industry. Subsidies are often used to promote economic growth, to protect domestic industries from foreign competition, or to provide social welfare benefits.

Option A is incorrect because it describes a purchase, not a subsidy.

Option B is incorrect because it describes a payment made by businesses to factors of production, not a subsidy.

Option C is incorrect because it describes a payment made by companies to shareholders, not a subsidy.