§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Health if he will give an approximate estimate of the cost of the National Health Service during the first three months of its operation.
§ Mr. BevanThe total sums issued from the Exchequer in respect of England and Wales during the three months ended 30th September, 1948, to meet the cost of the National Health Service amounted to £54½ million after taking into account receipts. These sums include working balances held by the statutory bodies196W operating the Service and include provision for certain non-recurring items of expenditure arising from the taking over of hospitals.