Hospital and Community Services Budget

HC Deb 26 July 1983 vol 46 cc418-9W

63. Mr. Leighton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what will be the average rate of growth in the hospital and community services budget as a result of the proposals outlined on 7 July by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

On the current forecast of inflation, hospital and community health services will grow by 0.6 per cent. in 1983–84 against 1982–83. This includes the 0.5 per cent. that health authorities have been asked to contribute through more efficient use of resources.