HC Deb 13 June 1980 vol 986 cc345-6W
Mr. Douglas-Mann

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why the public expenditure White Paper, Cmnd. 7841, shows the net cost of the savings bonus and loan scheme and other lending for England in 1980–81 at £1 million when the previous year's White Paper had estimated the cost of these items for 1980–81 at £55 million, both figures at 1979 survey prices; and what is the reason for the reduction.

Mr. Stanley

At 1979 survey prices, the reduction in estimated public expenditure for England from £55 million net—public expenditure White Paper, Cmnd. 7439—to £1 million net—Cmnd. 7841—on the savings bonus and loans scheme for first time purchasers—"Homeloan"—and other lending is due to a revised estimate of the number of people expected to claim the benefits of the scheme. The figure of £1 million incorporates estimated expenditure of some £4 million on "Homeloan", less some £3 million residual repayments under other lending.