HC Deb 13 November 1978 vol 958 c66W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will update, giving data for each relevant year, the answer given to the right hon. Member for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles (Mr. Steel) Official Report, 22nd March 1974, column 213–4.

Mr. Deakins

Revised data for 1972 and 1973, together with new data for the later years, are as follows:

UNITED KINGDOM
Supplementary benefit expenditure £ million Expenditure expressed as a percentage of the gross national product Per cent.
1972 729 1.31
1973 705 1.09
1974 871 1.16
1975 1,103 1.17
1976 1,525 1.38
1977 (provisional) 1,750 1.41