HC Deb 16 December 1969 vol 793 c285W
Mr. Howie

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent expenditure on the social services has increased as a proportion of national income over the last 10 years.

Mr. Taverne

In 1959 expenditure on the social services was 16.5 per cent. of national income; in 1965 it was 18.1 per cent. and in 1968 it was 22.6 per cent. This is an increase in the ratio of nearly 10 per cent. between 1959 and 1964, and of nearly 25 per cent. between 1964 and 1968.