§ Mr. Ralph HowellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the average yearly public expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product from(a) 1970 to 1979 and (b) 1980 to 1988 as shown in table 2.3 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report 1989–90.
§ Mr. Norman Lamont[holding answer 27 October 1989]: The averages of the annual ratios of general Government expenditure (excluding privatisation proceeds) to GDP for the financial years 1970–71 to 1979–80 and 1980–81 to 1988–89 on a basis consistent with the figures given in table 2.3 of the 1989 FSBR are 43.75 and 44.5 per cent. respectively. In the earlier period the ratio peaked at 48.5 per cent. in 1975–76. The highest level in the later period was 46.75 per cent. in 1982–83; and ratio in 1988–89 was 39.5 per cent.