HC Deb 24 July 1984 vol 64 c610W
Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state the total income received by the National Health Service from private patients since 1979.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The annual accounts of health authorities in England submitted to the Department show the following total income from private resident and nonresident patients:

£ million
1979–80 35.9
1980–81 46.4
1981–82 54.2
1982–83 51.5
Figures for 1983–84 will be available in the autumn.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the increase in National Health Service income from private patients in 1984–85 compared with the estimated income under the previous system of charging; and if he will set out the figures in both cash and percentage terms.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The system of charging has not changed. The only new element in the private patient charges for 1984–85 added 1 per cent. on to acute sector inpatient charges for the cost of the National Blood Transfusion Service. Capital and administration costs were also revised. By themselves these factors could be expected to increase income from these charges by about 3 per cent. (or £1¾ million) in 1984–85.