§ 21. Mr. Favellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services by what percentage capital spending in the National Health Service has increased since 1978–79; and if he will make a statement on future plans.
§ Mr. WhitneyBetween 1978–79 and 1984–85, capital spending in the National Health Service increased by 117 per cent. in cash terms; an increase of 30 per cent. over and above increases in general construction industry prices.
The Government plan to increase cash provision to £794 million in 1986–87 and to £835 million by 1988–89. Health authorities will also retain the proceeds of land and property sales, which we expect to rise very substantially. This will enable them to carry through major programmes of investment in hospitals and community services.