HC Deb 29 January 2001 vol 362 c88W
Dr. Gibson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of national income the social security budget represents in the 2000–01 financial year. [145965]

Mr. Darling

Social Security benefit expenditure is expected to amount to just over 11 per cent. in 2000–01 compared with 12 per cent. in 1996–97. Social Security spending this Parliament is now running at its lowest rate since the second world war.