HC Deb 23 June 1998 vol 314 cc447-8W
Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the public sector net cash requirement, including windfall tax receipts and associated spending, for(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000, (d) 2000–01, (e) 2001–02 and (f) 2002–03. [46374]

Mr. Darling

[holding answer 18 June 1998]Forecasts of the public sector net cash requirement including the windfall tax and associated spending were published in Tables 4.4 and 4.5 of the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report.

Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect on the public sector net cash requirement for(a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–00, (c) 2000–01, (d) 2001–02, and (e) 2002–03, of the new accounting treatment of student financial support, as indicated in the Economic and Fiscal Strategy report of June 1998; and if he will make a statement. [46389]

Mr. Darling

[holding answer 18 June 1998]The new accounting treatment for student loans in Departmental Expenditure Limits will have no effect on the Public Sector Net Cash Requirement, which is a cash measure.

Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes to the gross Contingency Reserve for Public Spending have taken place between the publication of the Financial Statement and Budget report of March 1998 and the Economic and Fiscal Strategy report of June 1998; and if he will make a statement. [46377]

Mr. Darling

[holding answer 18 June 1998): The reduction of £0.3 billion in the Reserve from £3 billion in the March 1998 "Financial Statement and Budget Report" to £2.7 billion in the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report 1998 reflects the transfer of £0.75 billion unspent in 1997–98 and a rephasing of sales of student loans.

Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the increase in real public expenditure for each year from 1998–99 to 2001–02, in terms of the previously defined, Control Total for Public Expenditure; and if he will make a statement. [46381]

Mr. Darling

[holding answer 18 June 1998]It would not be possible to produce these figures until full spending plans for each year from 1998–99 to 2001–02 are published at the time of the Comprehensive Spending Review announcement.