HC Deb 05 December 1980 vol 995 c204W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the relationship between movements in the public sector borrowing requirement and money supply growth on an annual basis between 1972 and 1979; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lawson

Movements in the PSBR and £M3 between 1972 and 1979 are shown in the following table:

£ millions
PSBR Increase in £M3
1972 2050 4927
1973 4191 6702
1974 6437 3255
1975 10480 2331
1976 9128 3565
1977 5995 4130
1978 8331 6772
1979 12569 6615

The relationship between fiscal policy and £M3 is discussed in a Treasury paper, entitled "Background to the Government's Economic Policy", submitted recently to the Treasury and Civil Service Select Committee. A copy has been placed in the House of Commons Library.