§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Prime Minister how many letters he has received in the past six months seeking improvements in the national health service.
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 6 March 1992]: I have received many representations on the national health service.
The Government have increased the resources available to the National Health Service with the result that National Health Service spending has risen by 55 per cent. in real terms under this Government and next year National Health Service spending in England will rise to £618 per person, compared with £409 per head—1992–93 prices—in 1979.
The Government's reforms are beginning to deliver improved health care. In 1991–92, the first year of our reforms, the National Health Service is forecast to treat 5.6 per cent. more in-patients and 4.3 per cent. more out-patients than last year.