Public Sector Borrowing Requirement

HC Deb 16 May 1996 vol 277 cc563-4W

18. Mr. Skinner

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest estimate of the PSBR for 1996–97 and 1997–98. [28507]

Mr. Waldegrave

The Budget forecast of the PSBR was £22½ billion in 1996–97 and £15 billion in 1997–98. An updated forecast of the PSBR will be published in the summer economic forecast on the 9 July.

27. Mr. Morgan

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has to improve the accuracy of forecasts of the public sector borrowing requirement. [28516]

Mr. Waldegrave

Treasury forecasters, and the tax forecasters in the Inland Revenue and Customs and Exercise, are always looking for way to improve the accuracy of their forecasts.