HC Deb 01 February 1977 vol 925 cc131-3W
Mr. Ridley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he proposes to publish any portions of the Public Expenditure White Paper which are not ready for publication when the main document is made available.

Mr. Joel Barnett,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 31st January 1977; Vol. 925, c. 51], circulated the following answer:

The first volume of the White Paper (Cmnd. 6721—I) was published on 27th January. The second volume will be published in the latter part of February.

Mr. Ridley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, when he publishes the next Public Expenditure White Paper, he will set out his reasons for any changes he may have made to the analysis of proposals for spending on individual programmes other than those dealing with debt interest and nationalised industries.

Mr. Joel Barnett,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 31st January 1977; Vol. 925, c. 47], gave the following reply:

The second volume of the White Paper will include notes describing classification changes.

Mr. Ridley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out his reasons for any changes that have been made in the analysis of the growth and use of resources in the Public Expenditure White Paper which he is to publish shortly.

Mr. Joel Barnett,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 31st January 1977; Vol. 925, c. 50], gave the following reply:

I refer the hon. Member to paragraph 55 of the White Paper "The Government's Expenditure Plans" (Cmnd. 6721–I).

Mr. Ridley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, when he publishes the next Public Expenditure White Paper, he will list additions to, or subtractions from, the normal range of tables included in Public Expenditure White Papers, such as Command Paper No. 5879, indicating clearly which ones have been or have not been announced in advance and discussed or approved by the Select Committee on Expenditure.

Mr. Joel Barnett,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 31st January 1977; Vol. 925, c. 51], gave the following reply:

The range of tables included in White Papers on public expenditure is adapted from year to year.