HC Deb 11 February 2002 vol 380 c113W
Mr. Swire

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the factors he will take into consideration when deciding if the Barnett formula will remain the basis upon which changes in public spending totals resulting from the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review will be applied to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. [34308]

Mr. Andrew Smith

The Government's policy on funding the devolved Administrations is set out in the Statement of Funding Policy published by the Treasury in July 2000.

Mr. Swire

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his plans to review the Barnett formula following the findings of Census 2001 about Scotland's population. [34309]

Mr. Andrew Smith

The Barnett formula uses the latest published mid-year population estimates. The outcome of the 2001 census will be taken into account when available.