An analysis giving a comparison of national expenditure, sources of revenue, and the debt, for the years 1929/30 and 1939/40

Abstract

The Census of Population for 1936 discloses a transfer of employment from Agriculture to Industry, and an increase in the number of those engaged in subsidiary activities required to meet the increased commercial activity, particularly in urban areas, in transport, etc. Against this background it is useful to review the details which follow. The financial figures for 1939/40 are the latest available and, except in connection with the Army Vote, where the influence of the war is noticeable, they are not affected by any special factor which makes the comparison unsuitable. The trend of expenditure has been upwards (except in the case of Pensions). The increase is distributed amongst all Votes.