NATION IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Slower Economic Growth Rate Seen

The Administration sees slightly slower economic growth than previously estimated because of an unexpected spike in interest rates this year, White House economic adviser Michael J. Boskin said. The Administration plans to lower its forecast for 1990 economic growth next month to about 2.2% after inflation from the 2.6% estimated in February, Boskin, who chairs the Council of Economic Advisers, said on NBC television’s “Meet the Press.” He said the Administration would project long-term interest rates this year to average around 8.5% and short-term rates about 7.7%. Previously, the White House estimated that short-term rates would fall to an average 6.7%. The unemployment rate is expected to remain at its current level of 5.3%.