§ Mr. DykesTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will assess the prospects for growth in the United Kingdom economy for the first six months period of the present calendar year, with particular reference to(a) consumer spending, (b) spending on net new domestic capital formation from all sources and (c) the estimated impact of major public sector infrastructure schemes; and if he will make a statement. [14310]
§ Mrs. Angela KnightThe prospects for growth are excellent. The UK economy is now well into its fifth year of sustained expansion, and all forecasters share the Government's view that 1997 will see another year of healthy growth. Growth is expected to continue to be broadly based, with faster growth in consumers' expenditure, accelerating investment and rising exports. Lower public sector capital expenditure during 1997–98 will be offset by rising capital expenditure under the private finance initiative.