HC Deb 13 March 1986 vol 93 cc1075-6
15. Mr. Sackville

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received about the level of public expenditure.

Mr. MacGregor

Public expenditure has been mentioned in some Budget representations. It is customary for the Government to receive representations on these matters throughout the year.

Mr. Sackville

Does my hon. Friend agree that the refusal of the Labour party to cost its extraordinarily irresponsible spending programme is a fraud on the British public?

Mr. MacGregor

What is interesting about our public expenditure plans is that they will remain constant in real terms over the next three years and fall as a proportion of gross domestic product. What is interesting about today's Question Time is that the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Sparkbrook (Mr. Hattersley) clearly does not wish to deny the figure of £24 billion.