Vol. 483 No. 1
25 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the reason he changed the practice of the past two years by not indicating the budget day ceiling on current spending growth when publishing the 1998 Estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19691/97]
150 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Finance the reason he has not announced the total post budget spending targets for 1998 in spite of the precedent established in each of the years from 1995 to 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19765/97]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 25 and 150 together.
I did not announce a post-budget spending figure on the publication of the 1998 Abridged Estimates because I considered that this was a matter proper to budget day itself, especially as there is only a short time between publication of the Abridged Estimates and budget day.
The statement I issued on the publication of the Estimates set out very comprehensively how the Government's spending plans for 1998 affect its current and capital expenditure targets. In the statement I indicated that budget day spending measures may increase current expenditure, as defined in the Government's programme, above the 1.8 per cent figure reflected in the Abridged Estimates, but that I am confident that the postbudget figure will remain well below the 4 per cent limit provided in our programme. I also indicated that I am determined that whatever happens after the 1998 budget, for example by way of unavoidable additional spending, the 1998 outturn for net current spending will be below the 4 per cent limit.
26 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the items included in the 1998 provision for non-programme outlays; the reason for the reduction in the provision made from the 1997 level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19608/97]
In publishing the 1998 Abridged Estimates and Summary Public Capital Programme, I gave information about the impact of the allocations on the Government's current and capital expenditure targets. In doing so, I indicated that expenditure on non-programme outlays was expected to be £72 million in 1997 and was estimated at £59 million for 1998.
Full details of this expenditure will be set out in the White Paper on Receipts and Expenditure which will be published shortly before the budget.
