§ Sir Nigel Fisherasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what approximate date and by how much he hopes to be able to make any substantial reduction in the Government's borrowing requirement.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettIt is the Government's aim to return to a more normal size of the public sector borrowing requirement as soon as economic conditions allow. It would not be helpful to fix dates or a specific target for any particular year. Progress must depend on the rate of economic recovery and the progress towards full employment.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will arrange for earlier publication of the central Government borrowing requirement during the course of the year.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettYes, Sir. Beginning on 11th May, the Treasury will issue a monthly Press notice giving details of the transactions on the Consolidated Fund and National Loans Fund and other funds and accounts which contribute to the Central Government borrowing requirement. Figures will be given up to the end of the preceding calendar month and will normally be published on the seventh business day thereafter. The separate publication of most of these figures in theLondon Gazette will be discontinued.