HC Deb 15 November 1982 vol 32 c10W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is public expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product.

Mr. Brittan

As explained in my right hon. and learned Friend's Autumn Statement, published on 8 November, public expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product at market prices is estimated at 45 per cent. in the current financial year.

Mr. Meacher

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list, on an annual basis, all cuts in public expenditure in excess of £5 million which he has made since May 1979 at both current and 1982 prices, indicating in each case the size of the cut as a percentage of the departmental budget for that year.

Mr. Brittan

I refer the hon. Member to the relevant Public Expenditure White Papers (Cmnd. 7746, 7841, 8175 and 8494) and to the Autumn Statement laid before the House on 8 November last. I regret that a comprehensive analysis in the form requested could be provided only with a disproportionate expenditure of time and effort.