§ 21. Sir C. Osborneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the average annual increase in personal disposable incomes at constant prices for the years 1952–64, inclusive and 1965–67, inclusive; and what estimate he has made of the number of years over which the 1965–67 rate of increase would have to be maintained to equal the total increase over the period 1952–64.
§ Mr. DiamondThe average annual increase in personal disposable income at constant prices from 1952–64 was 3¾ per cent. and from 1965–67 was just over 1½ per cent. The answer to the second part of the question is "None".
§ Sir C. OsborneIs the reduction in the standard of living which the Chancellor of the Exchequer has promised this country for the current year to continue for the whole lifetime of the present Government? How much worse off shall we be at the end of their period in office than we were when they started?
§ Mr. DiamondThat is an entirely hypothetical question. If I were the hon. Gentleman, I should not worry unduly.
§ Mr. HigginsWhy have not the Government published a forecast of personal disposable income in the Financial Statement forecasts?
§ Mr. DiamondIf the hon. Gentleman seriously thinks that further information should be published, we shall give consideration to that in a future year.