§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what allocations from the contingency reserve for 1998–99 to departments have been approved over the last two months and for what purpose; what is the current amount of the contingency reserve for 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [30507]
§ Mr. Darling[holding answer 23 February 1998]: I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member of 10 December 1997, Official Report, columns 562–64. The next forecast of the Reserve for 1998–99 will be published in the Financial Statement and Budget Report in March.