§ 34. Mr. RuffleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received regarding the level of his Department's planned total spending for(a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000 and (i) 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [68042]
§ Mr. DarlingThe Government's spending plans, which were announced as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review, have been generally welcomed as desirable, prudent and sensible, concentrating increases in the priority areas. Under these plans, spending on Social Security benefits will grow for this Parliament at less than half the rate of the previous Parliament.
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