§ 8. Mr. Alisonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the reduction in consumers' expenditure necessary in 1969–70 to ensure that the percentage increase over the period between 1964–65 and 1969–70 will be the same as the percentage increase in public expenditure over the same period.
§ Mr. DiamondNone, Sir.
§ Mr. AlisonDo we understand from that Answer that, far from consumer expenditure being out of line, as the Chancellor of the Exchequer keeps saying, it is public expenditure which has been out of line and consumer expenditure has lagged considerably behind it? Will he stop pillorying consumer expenditure in the way that he has done in recent speeches?
§ Mr. DiamondNo. The hon. Gentleman would be wrong to understand that. What the Chancellor of the Exchequer said is quite right. He has referred to consumer expenditure being out of line in recent times, and that is precisely the position.
§ Mr. PowellThe Chief Secretary says that no reduction would be necessary. What increase would be necessary?
§ Mr. DiamondI am afraid that I have not worked out the figure.