§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report an estimate showing central Government expenditure less (a) interest on the national debt and (b) unemployment and unemployment related benefits as a percentage of gross domestic product in each year since 1970 and the estimate for the current year.
Mr. Biff enThe information requested is as follows:
Central Government expenditure* less interest on the national debt wand unemployment and unemployment related benefits† as a
percentage of GDP at market prices
Per cent. 1970 31½ 1971 32 1972 32½ 1973 32 1974 36 1975 39 1976 37 1977 34 1978 34 1979 34½ 1980 (estimated) 36½ * Current and capital expenditure, plus net lending and cash expenditure on company securities (net). †Estimated supplementary benefit payments to the unemployed. Source: National Accounts, Treasury and DHSS.