Health Service (Expenditure)

HC Deb 20 November 1979 vol 974 cc136-7W

Mr. Marks

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much is spent per head on the National Health Service by each of the regional health authorities.

Sir George Young

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Harborough (Mr. Farr) on 15 November 1979.

Mr. Marks

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of gross national product is spent on the National Health Service; and how this compares with the eight other EEC countries.

Dr. Vaughan

In 1978, the latest year for which figures are available, 5.46 per cent. of gross national product at factor cost was spent on the National Health Service. Comparisons with public expenditure on health care in other EEC countries are available only for earlier years. I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Battersea South (Mr. Dubs) on 29 June.—[Vol. 969, c.363–4]