§ 45. Mr. Timothy Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services by how much estimated expenditure on the National Health Service has risen between 1978–79 and 1982–83; and what increase in real terms this represents when compared with the estimated increase in the retail prices index over the same period.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeIn 1978–79 our predecessors spent £6.5 billion (gross) on the NHS in England. This year, 1982–83, we estimate that we shall be spending over £12 billion. Comparing NHS expenditure with the movement in the RPI over this same period, the real terms increase is about 16 per cent. Further growth in spending is planned for next year.