HC Deb 27 November 1989 vol 162 c138W
15. Mr. David Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security by what amount social security spending has increased in real terms since 1979.

Mr. Newton

On current plans social security spending will be £52.6 billion in 1989–90, an increase in real terms of 35 per cent. over the figure in 1978–79, which, at today's prices, was £39 billion.