§ Mr. Craigenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost of interest on Government borrowings in each of the past three years; and what percentage of total Government spending in each year each figure represents.
§ Mr. Brittan[pursuant to his reply, 11 November 1981, c. 83.]: The information required is as follows. The figures relate to financial years ending on 31 March. Government spending has been defined as Consolidated Fund expenditure. 200W
Financial year (A) Interest on Government borrowings (A) as percentage of Government spending 1978–79 £6,369,350,039 12.3 1979–80 £8,290,469,121 13.4 1980–81 £9,732,712,518 12.6