§ Mr. Terry Davisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what percentage increase in the National Health Service budget has been necessary since 1978–79 in order to keep pace with demographic changes;
(2) what percentage increase in the National Health Service budget has been necessary since 1978–79 in order to meet technological advances in medical treatment.
§ Dr. Vaughan[pursuant to his reply, 3 December 1981, Vol. 14, c. 219]: Current plans up to 1981–82 allow for four per cent. growth in real terms in spending on the hospital and community health services since 1978–79. Within this, an estimated 2½ per cent. is attributable to costs associated with demographic change. The remainder provides an allowance for making use of new techniques. Expenditure on the family practitioner services is determined largely by demand and therefore naturally allows for changes due to alterations in the population structure or technical advances.