asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied with that proportion of public expenditure cuts that have resulted from savings rather than increased charges to the public.

Much the greater part of the public expenditure cuts reflected in my right hon. and learned Friend's Budget Statement last year and our White Paper on public expenditure in 1980–81 comes from reductions in gross public expenditure rather than increases in charges. However, as explained in the answer I gave to my hon. Friend on 18 December, the proportion of public expenditure reductions found from increased charges will depend in part on decisions by local authorities.

While my right hon. and hon. Friends will be pleased with that answer, is the Chief Secretary aware that many of us think that there should have been far greater cuts in public expenditure as opposed to the large cuts in some areas which have been imposed on the public? For example, the increased charges for school transport is effectively a tax on those who have the misfortune to live away—

Order. The hon. Gentleman must not argue a case. He must ask a question.

Will my right hon. Friend ensure that in future the Government cut back on their own expenditure, especially the large Civil Service expenditure?

I hope that my hon. Friend will not be disappointed when the White Paper on public spending for 1980–81 is published in March.

What progress is the right hon. Gentleman making in his discussions with the Prime Minister on the proposed new health charges?

I think that the hon. Gentleman is becoming rather over-anxious. The issue will be the subject of consideration in the public expenditure review, which will be published in due course.

What charges does the right hon. Gentleman think should be increased still further?

I have nothing to add to what I have already said on the matter.