HC Deb 15 March 1973 vol 852 cc392-3W
Mr. Loveridge

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of disposable income is saved in United Kingdom households and what is his estimate for comparable savings in each of the other countries of the EEC.

Mr. Nott

The figures are given in the table below. Since the ratio of savings to personal disposable income can fluctuate from year to year, the percentages represent the ratio over the latest five years for which information is available.

The percentages are affected by the different economic structures in the countries concerned in particular there are substantial differences between countries in the proportion which is self-employed, which will be reflected in the savings of households.

SAVINGS OF HOUSEHOLDS*AS A PERCENTAGE OF PERSONAL DISPOSABLE INCOME
Percentage
Period covered (a) (b)
United Kingdom 1967–71 7.8 5.0
Belgium 1967–71 15.6 n.a.
Denmark 1965–69
France 1967–71 n.a. 11.8
Germany 1967–71 n.a. 15.1
Irish Republic 1965–69 n.a. 10.2
Italy 1967–71 16.3 n.a.
Luxembourg 1966–70 14.3 n.a.
Netherlands 1967–71 n.a. 13.9
(a) Before deducting capital consumption, after deducting stock appreciation.
(b) After deducting capital consumption and stock appreciation.
Sources:
United Kingdom: National Income Blue Book 1972 (adjusted to international definitions).
Denmark and Irish Republic: National Accounts of OECD countries 1960–1970.
Other countries: National Accounts 1961–1971 (SOEC).
n.a. = not available.
*Including private non-profit making institutions.
† Separate figures for savings of households are not available; 9.0 per cent. including savings of corporations, after deducting capital consumption and stock appreciation.