§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on drugs in the national health service for 1990–91 and 1991–92; what is the latest estimate for expenditure in 1992–93; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyExpenditure on drugs by the family health services in England amounted to £2,080 million in 1990–91 and £2,317 million in 1991–92. Provision in main estimates for 1992–93 is £2,444 million. A revised forecast will be available at the time of the Chancellor's autumn statement.
The annual accounts of health authorities in England record total expenditure on drugs of £460 million for 1990–911 An equivalent figure for 1991–92 will be available later this year. Analyses of expenditure are not collected in-year and any estimate for 1992–93 would therefore be speculative.