§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the change in real terms in social security spending in each year since 1978; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottDetails of total social security spending from 1978–79 to 1992–93 are in the table.
Expenditure in £ million Percentage change in real terms over previous year Years Cash 1992–93 prices Per cent. 1978–79 16,602 46,341 — 1979–80 19,616 46,927 1.27 1980–81 23,751 48,017 2.32 1981–82 28,963 53,397 11.21 1982–83 33,000 56,794 6.36 1983–84 36,881 60,666 6.82 1984–85 39,957 62,553 3.11 1985–86 43,502 64,577 3.24 1986–87 46,859 67,393 4.36 1987–88 49,145 66,998 -0.59 1988–89 49,967 63,496 -5.23 1989–90 53,026 63,227 -0–42 1990–91 59,497 65,683 3.89 1991–92 69,048 71,465 8.80 1992–93 78,343 78,343 9.62 Notes:
1. 1992–93 figures are estimated outturn.
2. The real terms decrease over the period 1987–88 to 1989–90 is largely attributable to the fall in unemployment since 1986.