HC Deb 18 July 1995 vol 263 cc1042-3W
Mr. Matthew Banks

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to make a further statement on the Government's policy on resource accounting and budgeting. [35813]

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Last July, I published a Green Paper entitled "Better Accounting for the Taxpayer's Money: Resource Accounting and Budgeting". The Green Paper announced the Government's intention to proceed with the introduction of resource accounting for all Government Departments and a commitment in principle to introduce resource budgeting. It announced a consultation period and asked for comments on the proposals.

I have received a large number of comments from parliamentary colleagues, the accountancy profession and other interested groups. They have shown overwhelming support for the broad principles of resource accounting and budgeting. I shall publish the Government's conclusions and further proposals on 26 July, with a view to seeking parliamentary colleagues' comments in the autumn.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on progress in implementing and developing resource accounting in each Government Department; and what assessment he has made of the general Government financial deficit being used to aid this progress, if used as the primary measure of the budget deficit. [34201]

Mr. Clarke

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Southport (Mr. Banks) earlier today, which announced that the White Paper on resource accounting and budgeting will be published on 26 July. An annexe in the White Paper will set out departmental implementation plans. Resource accounting and budgeting is intended to facilitate better informed decisions about overall spending priorities within the context of the Government's macroeconomic objectives.