§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total Government expenditure for the years 1962, 1972 and 1982; and what percentage of gross domestic product this represents for each of those years.
§ Mr. Peter ReesThe figures for 1962, 1972 and 1982 are as follows:
1962 1972 1982 General government expenditure (£ million cash) 10,386 26,390 128,176 £ million cost terms (base 1982–83) 65,543 99,807 130,063 Expenditure as a percentage of GDP 36 41½ 46½
Total Government expenditure At current prices In cost terms* Percentage of gross domestic product at market prices £ million £ million 1975 51,524 102,637 48.9 1976 58,464 101,324 46.5 1977 61,867 94,166 42.7 1978 71,948 98,694 43.2 1979 85,166 101,995 43.8 1980 103,857 103,857 45.7 1981 116,060 103,996 46.3 1982 128,176 107,171 46.6 Sources: Financial Statistics and Economic Trends. * Current price figures deflated using the GDP deflator at market prices (Base year 1980). The final column is based on different definitions to the percentages shown in the Public Expenditure White Paper. The main difference relates to the conclusion of gross debt