§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action the UK is planning to address the Government deficit mentioned in COM (2004) 29. [151490]
§ Ruth KellyThe projections for the public finances presented in the 2003 pre-Budget report show that the Government remain on track to meet their strict fiscal rules over the economic cycle on the basis of cautious assumptions, with public finances remaining sustainable in the long term.
Furthermore, the UK continues to meet a prudent interpretation of the Stability and Growth Pact, that takes into account debt and long-term fiscal sustainability more generally, the need for public investment, and the economic cycle.