HC Deb 07 November 1989 vol 159 c552W
21. Mr. Knox

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the gross domestic product was spent on the National Health Service in the most recent year for which figures are available, and what was the percentage in 1978.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

In 1988, 5.2 per cent. of the United Kingdom's gross domestic product was spent on the National Health Service compared with 4.9 per cent. in 1978.

25. Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department expects to spend on the National Health Service in 1990–91.

Mr. Freeman

Planned expenditure for 1990–91 for the National Health Service in England currently stands at £22.1 billion. At this time of the year we are awaiting the Chancellor's Autumn Statement; I cannot, of course, anticipate its contents.

66. Mr. Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the total increase or decrease in real terms, taking inflation into account, in Health Service spending in England and Wales over the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

In the past 10 years, since 1979–80, gross expenditure on the National Health Service in England and Wales has increased by 38 per cent. in real terms. Over the period since 1978–79 real terms expenditure has increased by 40 per cent.