§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of overall Government expenditure in 1978, 1979 and 1980, respectively, was represented by (a) social security and all other welfare benefits and (b) aid to nationalised industries including the writing-off of debts.
§ Mr. Brittan[pursuant to his reply, 27 February 1981, c. 446]: The proportions of public expenditure are as follows:
✶Aid to Nationalised Industries Social Security and Welfare Milk 1978–79 2 22 1979–80 4 22 ✶ Excludes capital debts and revenue deficits written off in 1978–79 of £53 million. Estimate for 1980–81 will be available after publication of the 1981–82 Financial Statement and Budget Report.