§ Mr. Meadowcroftasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the level of Government expenditure given to the National Health Service for convalescent care; and what percentage that is of total Government expenditure on the National Health Service.
§ Mr. NewtonProvision for convalescent care is not separately identified in the cash allocations to regional health authorities. The level of funding within the overall resources available is decided by health authorities in the light of national policies and local needs.
For 1985–86, the costing returns submitted by health authorities in England showed total current expenditure on hospitals categorised as pre-convalescent and convalescent as £5.5 million. Figures for expenditure on convalescent care in other hospitals or in the community are not collected centrally.