HC Deb 20 May 1969 vol 784 c231
35. Mr. Higgins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the current price forecasts corresponding to the constant price forecasts made in Table 3 of the Financial Statement 1969–70.

Mr. Taverne

No, Sir. I believe that for the time being we must concentrate on developing the constant price forecasts that I published in detail for the first time last year.

Mr. Higgins

If the hon. and learned Gentleman had any faith in the Government's prices and incomes norms, why should this present any difficulty?

Mr. Taverne

The hon. Gentleman will know that those who have studied this carefully realise that there are risks and advantages in different kinds of forecasts. They have to be balanced against each other. Certainly he cannot accuse the Government of being slow in coming forward with forecasts which have helped informed discussion.