§ Mr. GorrieTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of the increase in spending on benefits for the elderly in Scotland up to the year 2000. [43815]
§ Mr. DenhamInformation is not available in the format requested. However, it is estimated that Social Security benefit expenditure on the elderly in Scotland has increased by £111 million (3 per cent.) in real terms between 1996–97 and 1997–98 (1997–98 prices). Government spending plans for Great Britain for future years (1999–2000 to 2001–02) will be published after completion of the Comprehensive Spending Review.