National Expenditure

HC Deb 12 February 1979 vol 962 cc420-1W

Mr. Andrew MacKay

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the percentage increase in national expenditure on (a) social security, (b) defence, (c) the National Health Service and (d) education in the periods 1970 to 1974 and 1974 to 1979.

Mr. Joel Barnett

In volume terms at constant prices, the percentage changes for the periods 1970–71 to 1974–75 and 1974–75 to 1978–79 are as follows:

		Percentage change
		1970–71 to 1974–75	1974–75 to 1978–79
Social security	…	19.2	24.2
Defence	…	-4.3	1.4
National Health Service	…	14.2	8.8
Education	…	20.2	-0.6