The paper applies an empirical model, based on the economic theory of public choice, to the Group of Seven countries. It is discovered: (a) that deficit financing does appear to contribute to increased real government spending; (b) that the demand for government services as a whole does not...

Expenditure arrears, signifying prolonged delays in the government meeting its financial obligations to suppliers and creditors, have become an increasingly common feature of government operations in many developing countries. This paper indicates the significance of arrears in distorting...