asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to be in a position to announce the public sector borrowing requirement for the financial year 1986–87.

The first provisional estimate of the outturn for the public sector borrowing requirement in 1986–87 will be released on 16 April, although as usual it may be subject to subsequent revision.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the current rate of inflation on the public sector borrowing requirement.

Firm fiscal and monetary policies within the framework of the medium term financial strategy have brought about substantial reductions in both inflation and public sector borrowing. However, inflation is just one of a whole range of factors which affect public finances.