HC Deb 24 March 1983 vol 39 c489W
28. Mr. Chapman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the percentage increase in public expenditure between 1978–79 and 1982–83; and how this compares with the percentage increase in the retail price index between February 1979 and February 1983.

Mr. Brittan

The estimated outturn for the planning total for 1982–83, as published in the Financial Statement and Budget Report is £112.5 billion. This represents an increase of 71.1 per cent. on the corresponding figure for 1978–79. This compares with a percentage increase of 56.6 per cent. in the retail prices index between February 1979 and February 1983.