HC Deb 13 May 1982 vol 23 cc311-2W
16. Mr. Home Robertson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he expects a reduction in interest rates as a result of the recently announced reduced outturn of the public sector borrowing requirement for 1981–82.

31. Mr. Rooker

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect the lower than anticipated public sector borrowing requirement will have on interest rates.

Mr. Brittan

Interest rates have already fallen since last autumn. The lower than forecast outturn on the public sector borrowing requirement in 1981–82 does not necessarily presage a lower outturn in 1982–83. It is, of course, the outturn in 1982–83 that exerts an influence on interest rates in that year.