HC Deb 23 October 1979 vol 972 cc157-8W
35. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report the increased resources needed to meet the increased value added tax upon supplies and equipment in the National Health Service.

Dr. Vaughan

I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Battersea, South (Mr. Dubs) and the right hon. Member for Lewisham, East (Mr. Moyle) on 9 July.—[Vol. 970,c. 44–5.]

Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many redundancies or loss of jobs would take place in the National Health Service in the event of cuts in resources of the order of 10 per cent., 15 per cent. and 20 per cent.; what is his estimate of the total sums involved; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Vaughan

Since the Government have no intention of cutting back National Health Service resources in this way, the possible effects of the proposals put forward in the question are purely hypothetical.