HC Deb 10 July 1973 vol 859 cc311-2W
Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the extra cost to the National Health Service in the first three months since its introduction of VAT; and what estimate he has made of the cost in the first year.

Sir K. Joseph

The cost in England in 1973–74 will be about £29 million, of which about £6 million fell in the first quarter. Extra funds have been allocated to the service to meet this.