§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the level of(a) public sector net worth and (b) public sector gross worth in financial year 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [130275]
§ Mr. Andrew Smith[holding answer 12 July 2000]: Forecasts of public sector net worth as a percentage of GDP were published in Table 2.6 of the March 2000 "Financial Statement and Budget Report". Forecasts of public sector gross worth are not available.
Net worth has recently been on an upward trend. This follows a prolonged period in which the poor state of the public finances led to it falling below 15 per cent. of GDP, from over 77 per cent. of GDP in 1980–81.