§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the percentage increase in spending in real terms on hospital and community health services since 1979–80.
§ Mr. John MacKayDetailed records of expenditure at constant prices are no longer maintained. Gross recurrent expenditure on hospital and community health services has risen from £737 million in 1979–80 to an estimated £1,291 million in 1984–85 and this has enabled services to expand by about 5 per cent.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage change he estimates changes in population structure and advances in medical technology since 1979–80 will have on the level of spending on hospital and community health services.
§ Mr. John MacKayOver the period from 1979–80 to 1984–85 the cost of meeting demand from demographic changes and advances in medical technology has been estimated at around 1 per cent. of hospital and community health services expenditure in each year.