HC Deb 15 June 1954 vol 528 cc1729-30
40. Mr. Renton

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what percentage of the national income was spent by the Central Government in each of the last five financial years; and what percentage of the estimated national income is likely to be spent during the current financial year.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As the answer contains a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Renton

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the proportion of the national income which is being spent by the Government is going down at present?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

If my hon. and learned Friend studies the figures he will get a fairer impression than if I give him a resumé now.

Following is the answer:

Figures for financial years are not available. Figures for the last five calendar years are:

per cent.
1949 … … … 32.0
1950 … … … 28.7
1951 … … … 31.1
1952 … … … 32.3
1953 … … … 31.2

The percentage for 1954 will probably be about the same as, or slightly less than, that for 1953.

Central Government expenditure is taken as including all subsidies, grants and other transfer payments to persons, local authorities, the National Insurance Funds and other sections of the community, but as excluding payments by the National Insurance Funds.