§ Mr. ChisholmTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of identifiable public expenditure in Scotland was spent on housing in(a) 1980–81, (b) 1990–91 and (c) the latest year for which figures are available. [12342]
§ Mr. Raymond S. Robertson[holding answer 30 January 1996]: Identifiable general Government expenditure in Scotland is published annually in the statistical supplement to the "Financial Statement and Budget Report". The most recent supplement was published in February 1995. Total Government expenditure on housing in Scotland includes expenditure by the Department of Social Security on housing benefits, and is now published in The Scottish Office department report "Serving Scotland's Needs". They are not, however, available for 1980–81. In 1983–84—the first year for which it has been possible to obtain the information—1990–91 and 1993–94—the latest year for which figures are available-total expenditure on housing in Scotland was 9.6, 7.4 and 6.6 per cent. respectively of identified general Government expenditure. That reduction has to be seen against a reduction of 276,082 public sector houses from 30 September 1982 to 31 March 1994, reducing the associated requirement for public expenditure. The figures exclude capital receipts available for investment of £238 million, £411 million and £389 million respectively.