PMQs: Is Gordon Brown in denial on economic growth?

In November, Alistair Darling's pre-Budget report contained the startlingly rosy forecast that because of brilliant wheezes like the VAT cut, the UK economy would be growing again by the 3rd quarter of 2009. It's fair to say that his confidence was not shared by many outside the Government.

Now, the dogs in the streets knows the forecast will be ditched at the Budget.  Even Mr Darling has admitted as much. But there's still one optimistic soul out there who refuses to say so. 

Having identified the weak spot in the Government's economic case, David Cameron asked the Prime Minister to repeat that forecast again today at PMQs. 

Mr Brown's answer: "…that depends on the level of international co-operation…"

By which I infer that the PM believes that there's still a realistic chance of a return to growth in 3Q/09.   That third quarter, by the way starts in 167 days.  Hmm.