HC Deb 06 March 1995 vol 256 c46W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what percentage of the NHS expenditure is spent on elderly care; and if she will make a statement about the procedure for applying to receive this care.

Mr. Bowis

We estimate that around 40 per cent. of total hospital and community health service expenditure is on people aged 65 and over, who comprise about 16 per cent. of the population. Every citizen has the right to receive health care free at the point of delivery on the basis of clinical need and judgment.