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Mr. Steen
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what percentage the cost of running the prison service has increased annually since 1972.
Dr. Summerskill
Total net expenditure on the prison service in England and Wales, measured at constant 1977 prices, has varied as follow:
| Year | Net expenditure | Percentage increase/decrease on previous year |
| 1972–73 | 161·4 | — |
| 1973–74 | 169·7 | +5·14 |
| 1974–75 | 189·3 | +11·55 |
| 1975–76 | 206·3 | +8·98 |
| 1976–77 | 201·1 | 2·52 |
| 1977–78 | 201·6 | +0·25 |