HC Deb 22 October 1975 vol 898 cc185-6W
Mr. Pardoe

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much and by what percentage expenditure by the Consolidated Fund rose during the months of 1975 for which figures are available; and if he will estimate how much of this increase was due to pay increases in the public sector above those allowable under a strict interpretation of the social contract.

Mr. Joel Barnett

As published in theLondon Gazette on 7th October 1975, issues from the Consolidated Fund from 1st April 1975 to 30th September 1975 amounted to £16,893 million compared with £11,518 million from 1st April 1974 to 30th September 1974, an increase of £5,375 million, or 47 per cent. As regards the last part of the Question, the Government have ensured that all settlements to which they have been a party have been consistent with the social contract.