§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the general Government financial deficit in 1996–97; and what was the outturn in 1995–96. [28890]
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe Budget forecast of the general Government financial deficit in 1996–97 was £26 billion, equivalent to 3½ per cent. of gross domestic product. An updated forecast will be published in the summer economic forecast on 9 July.
An outturn estimate of the GGFD in 1995–96 is not yet available.