§ Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Social Security what percentage of the gross national product is spent on social security.
§ The Minister of Social Security (Mrs. Judith Hart)In the financial year 1966–67 about 8.1 per cent. of the United Kingdom gross national product was spent on the social security schemes for which I am responsible.
§ Mr. DigbyCan the right hon. Lady say how this compares with three years ago and with the Common Market average?
§ Mrs. HartIs is very difficult to make comparison with the Common Market countries because some of them include items for medical care and medical attention which are not included in our figures. Perhaps the most useful answer I can give the hon. Member is that the figures show a rise from 7.2 per cent. in 1964 to 8.1 per cent. now, an increase of 12½ per cent. in two and three-quarter years, and a rise from 1961 to 1964 of only 7½ per cent.