Government Expenditure

HC Deb 31 January 1967 vol 740 c232

18. Mr. Ridley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated percentage increase in Government expenditure for 1967–68 over 1966–67.

Mr. Callagham

I must ask the hon. Member to await the Vote on Account.

Mr. Ridley

Would the Chancellor agree, however, that the increase in Government expenditure should not be greater than the proportionate increase in the growth of the gross national product? Would not that be a principle with which he could agree for the coming financial year?

Mr. Callaghan

No, I would not agree with it for this year or for any other year. In some years it should exceed it, and in some years it should be less than it. We are reverting, I think, to a little discussion which we had on an earlier Question.