HC Deb 04 July 1979 vol 969 c624W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the cutback in cash resources to the National Health Service in 1978–80 as a result of cash limits restricted to an inflation rate of 8.5 per cent., when he is predicting an actual rate of 17.5 per cent. by November.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

There has been no cutback in cash resources. My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Renfrewshire, East (Mr. Stewart) on 26 June, announced increases in cash limits, including £144,131,000 on the Health and Personal Social Services, England, Vote (Class XI, Vote 1) to cover the estimated cost of pay awards agreed to date less the amount which it was agreed by the previous Government had to be absorbed within the existing cash limit. I refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply to the right hon. Member for Norwich, North (Mr. Ennals) on 26 June.—[Vol. 969, cc.169 and 123].