§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if it is his policy to increase expenditure on health services up to the European Union average as a percentage of gross domestic product; and if he will make a statement. [5708]
§ Mr. HuttonIt is our intention to increase United Kingdom health care expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product towards the average of the European Union countries, which is around 8 per cent. of gross domestic product. On current spending plans, by 2003–04 total health spending in the UK will be around 7.7 per cent. of gross domestic product. Spending plans beyond that time will be made at the next spending review.