§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security by how much expenditure on social security has increased since 1978–79; and what increase in spending is planned for 1989–90.
§ Mr. ScottTotal spending on the social security programme increased from £16.4 billion in 1978–79 to an estimated £47.6 billion in 1988–89. This represents a 33 per cent, real increase in spending of almost £12 billion over the period.
Social security spending is planned to rise to £51.1 billion in 1989–90. This is £3.5 billion higher than in 1988–89.