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18.
Mr. Gerald Howarth
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer which are the main areas of spending which have been increased in real terms; and which are the main areas where savings have been made since 1979.
26.
Mr. Yeo
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state those areas of public expenditure which have been increased and those which have been cut, since 1979.
Mr. Peter Rees
Since 1979–80 the main areas where we have increased spending in real terms are law and order, social security, defence, and the health service. The main areas when reductions have been achieved are public sector housing, support for the nationalised industries, excluding the effects of the coal strike, our contributions to the European Community; and in Civil Service numbers.