HC Deb 24 January 1963 vol 670 c250
2. Mr. Ridley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what percentage he plans to increase Government expenditure above the line during 1963–64.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the publication of the Estimates and the Financial Statement.

Mr. Ridley

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the percentage of the gross national product which the Government have spent has fallen from 30.5 per cent. in 1952 to 26.1 per cent. this year, and that this very good progress is jeopardised by the enormous sums of extra money which the Government appear to be incurring? Will my right hon. Friend undertake to keep this percentage as low as he can?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The precise percentage which it is right to take depends, among other things, on the state of the national economy, as also upon the objects on which the money is spent. Announcements like that made yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, although generally welcomed, add to expenditure.