The National Public Budget (BPN) registered a growth of 9.9 billion lei during the first quarter of 2007, beating by 7.8% official forecasts for the quarter and by 49% for the year. Compared with the same period of 2006, an extra 2.04 billion lei were collected, representing a growth of 28.7%. Finance Minister Mihai Pop stated on Wednesday, July 18, during a Government meeting that of the total amount collected by the BPN, tax on income and real estate, and social contributions increased by 753.6 million lei, consisting 3.8 billion lei, with a share of 38.5%. Indirect tax (TVA, tax on foreign trade) increased by approx. 1.02 billion lei, consisting 4.3 billion lei with a share of 43.7%. The expense side of the BPN made up 9.9 billion lei, which is 83.3% of the official forecasts for the reporting period and 47.5% for the year. Compared with the same period of 2006, expenditure rose by 2.03 billion lei, or 28.4%. The largest part of public expense - 64.5% - was redirected towards the accomplishment of programmes with socio-cultural character; for the sectors of the national economy – 15.2%; defence and national security – 7.7%; public service with special destination/ purpose – 5.1%.