HC Deb 10 December 1998 vol 322 c295W
19. Mr. Plaskitt

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about his priorities for public spending for the next three years, with particular reference to the balancing of budgets across the economic cycle. [61765]

Mr. Byers

The Government are committed to spend an extra £40 billion on health and education over the next three years, and will double net public investment.

The Government's prudent approach to managing the public finances ensures that these commitments will be honoured while meeting the Government's two strict fiscal rules.