The Government will continue to borrow wisely to ensure that much needed investment can proceed. For 2004, we will increase gross spending on public services by just under 7% and spend close to 5% of GNP on capital projects. In recent years, there has been a rapid rise in public spending, particularly in areas such as social welfare, health, education and infrastructure. The prospect of lower future growth means less revenue will be available to fund increases in public spending. Consequently, the Minister has signalled his intention to keep increases to this year's level in the coming years.