I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 63 together.
I do not propose to comment on the specific forecasts made by the Central Bank or, indeed, by any of the other agencies which have thus far given their assessments of the 1988 economic outlook. Neither do I propose to publish at this time my Department's precise assessment of that outlook either on a preor post-budget basis. In accordance with established practice this assessment will be published around the time of the budget when the picture for both 1987 and 1988 should be much clearer.
However, the independent forecasts available suggest that, while growth in gross domestic product will continue next year, gross national product will show little change and, depending on the behaviour of net factor outflows, could indeed fall marginally reflecting, in part, the short term impact of the Government's budgetary strategy.
The Government's general budgetary strategy for 1988 is, however, strongly supported by most independent analysts. The Central Bank have stated that the firm steps which the Government have taken so far to rectify the condition of the public finances will, if maintained and followed through, lay the foundations for sound economic growth for the future. The Economic and Social Research Institute have made the point that the limited growth prospect in 1988 would appear to be a reasonable price to pay for a substantial change in the structure of the economy and that 1988 could come to be seen as a year in which the conditions for long term recovery were created.