HC Deb 13 February 1985 vol 73 c209W
35. Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what studies his Department has carried out into the projected new demands for health care until 1988.

Mr. John MacKay

New demands for health care result from developments in medical technology, and from epidemiological and demographic changes. The Scottish Home and Health Department, in collaboration with the other United Kingdom Health Departments, keeps these various factors under continuous review. Studies of Health Service provision in relation to need are also undertaken by the Scottish Health Service Planning Council; and the council already has in mind a review of its report "Scottish Health Authorities' Priorities for the Eighties", published in 1980, to take account of all relevant changes in circumstances.

Aged 18 or under All ages
Men Women Total Men Women Total
Over 26 weeks 148 76 224 2,214 732 2,946
Over 52 weeks 72 39 111 1,714 440 2,154
Over 104 weeks 9 4 13 1,130 230 1,360
All claimants 399 256 655 3,456 1,437 4,893