HL Deb 15 October 1996 vol 574 c193WA
Viscount Brentford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the United Kingdom's Government debt as a percentage of gross national product ("GNP")

Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish

Gross general Government debt as a percentage of gross domestic product—the ratio used in the European Union excessive deficits criteria—is estimated to have been 54¼ per cent. at end March 1996, well below the 60 per cent. reference level.