§ Mr. Ralph HowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total amount spent on social security in the United Kingdom, in actual and at 1989 prices, for each of the years 1978–79 to 1990–91, or for the latest year available; and what was the percentage increase for each year.
§ Mr. ScottThe information for Great Britain is set out in the table. Information about costs of benefits in Northern Ireland is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
DSS total expenditure Cash (£ million) In 1989–90 prices (£ million) Real terms percentage increase over preceding year Outturn 1978–79 16,437 38,677 — 1979–80 19,416 39,119 1.1 1980–81 23,463 39,978 2.2 1981–82 28,582 44,319 10.9 1982–83 32,451 46,930 5.9 1983–84 35,159 48,579 3.5 1984–85 38,119 50,176 3.3 1985–86 41,487 51,826 3.3 1986–87 44,424 53,685 3.6 1987–88 46,265 53,094 -1.1 Estimated outturn 1988–89 47,595 50,919 -4.1 1989–90 52,600 52,600 3.3 Planned 1990–91 55,600 52,952 0.7 1991–92 59,900 55,119 4.1 1992–93 63,500 56,729 2.9