§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost of all forms of State support, including subsidies, grants and "write-offs" for the last year for which figures are available.
§ Mr. BrittanThe total expenditure by general government on subsidies, grants, capital transfers and debt write-offs in 1981 was as follows:
£ million Subsidies: housing 2,234 other 3,627 Current grants to persons social security benefits 25,957 education 2,432 other 2,887 Current grants abroad European Communities 530 other 1,151 Capital transfers public corporations 554 private sector 1,947 Debt written off 512 Total 41,831 Source: National Income and Expenditure, 1982 Edition