HC Deb 12 December 1995 vol 268 c618W
15. Mrs. Lait

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the current real rate of growth of social security spending and what were the figures in 1992–93. [3584]

Mr. Lilley

Social security spending has grown on average by almost 5 per cent. a year faster than inflation since the welfare state was established. Over the next three years it is expected to grow by just over 1 per cent. a year.