HC Deb 08 June 1989 vol 154 c200W
53. Mr. Gow

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest estimate of the interest payable on Government debt during the current financial year, and what was the comparable figure, adjusted for inflation, for the year ended 31 March 1979.

Mr. Utley

The latest forecast of general Government gross debt interest payments in 1989–90 is 17.1 billion as published in the 1989 Financial Statement and Budget Report. In 1987–88 prices, general Government gross debt interest is £15.1 billion in both 1978–79 and 1989–90. As a percentage of GDP, general Government gross debt interests is 41/4 per cent. in 1978–79 and 31/4 per cent. in 1989–90.