HC Deb 12 February 1980 vol 978 cc601-2W
Mr. McKelvey

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of public expenditure for 1978–79; and as a percentage figure how much of this was approved by Parliament authorising Supply and how much was incurred under statute.

Mr. Biffen

[pursuant to his reply, 8 February 1980]: Total public expendi- ture in 1978–79 on a White Paper basis is estimated at about £67.5 billion all of which was incurred under statute. About half was directly reflected in Supply. The hon. Member will be aware that about one third of Supply indirectly finances public expenditure, for example, the rate support grant to local authorities.

Mr. McKelvey

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether bodies other than local authorities and nationalised industries incur expenditure which is classified as public expenditure incurred under statute as opposed to that public expenditure approved directly by Parliament authorising supply.

Mr. Biffen

[pursuant to his reply, 8 February 1980]: Yes. The hon. Member may find it helpful to refer to the guide to public sector financial information a copy of which is available in the Library.