§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of general Government expenditure for(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98 and (c) 1998–99 taking account of recent changes to the gross domestic product deflator and other factors. [13185]
§ Mr. Darling[holding answer 30 October 1997]: The Government's estimates for general Government expenditure were set out in the FSBR in July. They were £309.0 billion for 1996–97, £319.4 billion for 1997–98 and £331.3 billion for 1998–99. These reflect the Government's plans for the cash control totals and the latest forecasts for other spending.