andMr. P. Barry asked the Minister for Finance if the £2,524 million spent up to 15 June 1979 exceeds or falls short of budget forecasts and, if so, by how much.
Written Answers. - Budget Expenditure Forecast.
81.
The figure of £2,524 million referred to by the Deputies includes £1,261 million for redemption of debt which is not an expenditure item in the usual budgetary sense and which can only be considered in conjunction with the receipts under the corresponding head in the published Exchequer accounts.
The remaining £1,263 million represents expenditure on Central Fund Services, Supply Services and issues for capital purposes under various Acts and is generally in line with the budget forecasts apart from a temporary shortfall in expenditure due to the recent postal dispute. This shortfall is expected to be cleared fairly quickly.