asked the Minister for Finance whether he proposes to allow an overrun on the current budget deficit; and, if not, when he proposes to take action to ensure that it remains within the budget target of £1,234 million.

If I may make a preliminary remark, it seems that the lacuna which seems to emerge — and I regret the Deputy's absence because I was looking forward to a discussion — requires a certain amount of planning on the part of the Opposition. These things are all predictable now, according to the rota.

The Government's intention, as indicated in the context of the issue of the end-June Exchequer returns on Monday, is that there will be no major overrun on the budget figures.

While there are a number of uncertainties, indications are that the 1985 outturn will be reasonably close to target. The overall position is the subject of regular monitoring but, on present indications, I cannot accept the implication in the second part of the Deputy's question that particular action is necessary this year over and above continuation of the close control over budgetary aggregates which the Government have exercised since taking up office and will continue to exercise.