HC Deb 24 January 1980 vol 977 c360W
12. Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the growth rate in the economy for the coming year.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

The forecast published on 22 November showed a decline in GDP of 2 per cent. in 1980.

17. Mr. Les Huckfield

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement about the relationship between recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development economic forecasts and those of his own Department.

Mr. Biffen

There is close agreement between our forecast of output and prices and that of the OECD. The latter's better prospect for the balance of payments is within the published margins of error.