§ Mr. Kenneth Carlisleasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what provision will be made for cost increases between 1979–80 and 1980–81 in the 1980–81 cash limits on central Government and local authority expenditure.
§ Mr. BiffenThe provision for cost increases between 1979–80 and 1980–81 in the rate support grant cash limit was set out in the rate support grant main order —HC280. Other cash limits will provide, on current expenditure, for 14 per cent. increase in prices between the average levels of 1979–80 and 1980–81 and in pay from due settlement dates as a consequence of new pay awards. It has now been decided that this latter provision will also apply to the central Vote for Civil Service pay increases. For central Government and local authority capital expenditure the provision for price increases between 1979–80 and 1980–81 will be:
Per cent. Construction: Public Sector Housing 15.8 Roads 16.4 Other 15.5 Land transactions 15.0 Other Capital Expenditure 15.9 Main Estimates and other cash limits will be published on Budget day.