§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his estimate of the annual increase in demand for health care due to the aging population.
§ Mr. FreemanThe estimate of growth in demand on the hospital and health services arising through changes in population is as shown:
Year Per cent. 1985–86 1.3 1986–87 1.0 1987–88 1.2 1988–89 1.0 The figures represent the expected increase in demand for services arising through population changes overall and not just those for the elderly.
Details of the method used to arrive at the estimates are given in answer to question 2 of the Social Services Select Committee report, Session 1987–88, House of Commons No. 548.