The Public Purse Presented by Peter Oppenheimer
Public expenditure has risen substantially during the last decade and now accounts for nearly 60 per cent of national income. Some observers see this trend as a major cause of Britain's economic difficulties and argue that public spending must be reduced. Others believe it should be maintained to preserve employment, but the White Paper due this month is expected to show major cuts in government programmes. How far should the public sector be allowed to grow as a share of the national economy? How effectively is public spending controlled?
Producer MICHAEL GREEN BBC Manchester