§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what element of private health care provision falls within the public sector borrowing requirement where(a) public sector land or property is used, (b) tax relief is provided on contributions, (c) private insurance is offered as an alternative to pay in public sector employment and (d) public sector contracts are purchased from private sector provider units; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Portillo(a) None; (b) tax relief increases the PSBR; (c) the cost of obtaining private insurance would increase the PSBR, offset to the extent that pay is lower than otherwise; (d) the contract is funded from the expenditure provision for the NHS. This is part of public expenditure which affects the PSBR.