§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is his policy for 1997–98 and 1998–99 that savings achieved in one Department can be switched to another Department; and if he will make a statement. [13645]
§ Mr. Darling[holding answer 5 November 1997]: The Government are committed to holding to the Control Totals for 1997–98 and 1998–99. Within that it may be appropriate on occasions to find savings from one 623W Department to cover increases in another as was done with the NHS this year. Minor transfers will continue in the normal course of business-for example, to meet the costs of new policy initiatives which fall outside the originating Department.