HC Deb 27 February 1968 vol 759 cc293-4W
56. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to improve the statistics available to him for the planning of public expenditure.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Statistical methods are under continuous development. Over the past few years the professional staff dealing with public expenditure statistics have been increased, the organisation of the flow of information from Departments has been improved, and computers have been brought in to use.

76. Dame Joan Vickers

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further steps he proposes to take to ensure that public expenditure in 1969–70 does not exceed the target laid down in the National Plan.

Mr. Diamond

I have nothing at present to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 16th January and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 19th January.

80. Mr. Urwin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the effect upon the Northern Region of Her Majesty's Government's Review of Public Expenditure.

Mr. Diamond

Comprehensive information is not available about the re- gional effect of the reductions in public expenditure estimates announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 16th January. The reductions will certainly affect all regions, but, as paragraph 47 of Command Paper No. 3515 makes clear, the Government will continue to give special priority to the regeneration of the Development Areas.—[Vol. 756, c. 1577–93.]

83. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why he allowed the cuts in public spending in Scotland to be fixed at only one half the comparable rate in England.

Mr. Diamond

If the hon. Member has in mind the figures given in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) on 19th January, 1968, these referred only to those services for which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is responsible. The reductions in Scotland generally, while reflecting the Government's regional development policies, are related to the needs of the various services in Scotland.—[Vol. 756, c.688]