§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the real terms change in his Department's budget between 1996–97 and 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [38286]
§ Mr. StrawIn real terms (at 1996–97 prices), the total budget for the Home Office and Charity Commission has increased from £6,486 million in 1996–97, to £6.525 million in 1998–99. This is an increase of £39 million or 0.6 per cent. The Home Office Annual Report 1998 (CM 3908), published on 6 April, gives further information on these budgets.