§ Mr. Coombsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer at what rate he estimates gross domestic product has grown since the last Budget; and how this compares with the Budget forecast.
§ Mr. HigginsThe latest published figures of gross domestic product relate to the first quarter of 1970 and I do not236W yet have sufficient information to make a reliable estimate for the second quarter. As to the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave on 7th July to the hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Mr. Sheldon) and the hon. Member for Heywood and Royton (Mr. Barnett).—[Vol. 803, c. 476–8.]