HC Deb 15 April 1969 vol 781 cc961-2
10. Mr. Sheldon

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what economic forecasts he plans to publish in the Financial Statement.

Mr. Taverne

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the publication of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" later this afternoon.

Mr. Sheldon

The initiation of the forecast last year was greeted with great pleasure by many of my hon. and learned Friend's hon. Friends. Is he aware that we hope that we shall see a yet further advance in this very happy progress?

Mr. Taverne

It will not be altogether unexpected if these matters are referred to later.

Mrs. Ewing

If the Financial Statement refers to Scotland, will the Minister try to avoid the type of inaccuracy in forecasting which led to a prediction of an increase of 30,000 jobs in Scotland when there was a decrease of 30,000?

Mr. Taverne

The hon. Lady must await the later statements and discussions. As my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary has pointed out, it is in the nature of forecasts that they are not accurate in every individual respect.