HC Deb 25 June 1956 vol 555 cc1-2W
50. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that due to the continued depreciation in the purchasing value of the £, the National Health Service has made in effect a financial cut in its annual budget; and if he will arrange for increased finance to be made available so as to increase the income of the service by 1s. 6d. in the £.

Mr. Turton

The amount provided from the Exchequer for the National Health Service in the Estimates for the current financial year is substantially more than in the previous year. Moreover, an assurance has been given to hospital authorities that, if necessary, Parliament will be asked to provide additional sums to meet the cost of wage awards and price changes for which provision has not already been made.