§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent he proposes to reduce Government expenditure during the next 12 months; and whether he will give an assurance that essential social services and benefits arising therefrom will not be reduced under any Government economy drive.
§ Mr. DiamondAs already announced my right hon. Friend and I are carrying out a strict review of public expenditure, including a stringent examination of the Estimates for 1965–66. It is too soon to give the outcome of this review. We have of course no intention of cutting expenditure on essential social services.