§ Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the Government's plans for spending on the National Health Service in England over the next three years.
§ Mr. FowlerThe plans contained in the 1985 public expenditure White Paper, published today as Cmnd. 9428 provide for expenditure amounting to £14.1 billion on the National Health Service in England during 1985–86. This is over £600 million more than in 1984–85. Spending is planned to rise by some £2.1 billion over the three years416W to 1987–88. Spending on the hospital and community health services is planned to rise by one per cent. above forecast inflation in each of the next three years in recognition of the increasing number of elderly people. We are also continuing to provide for the increased demands on the Family Practitioner Service. Details are given in chapter 3.11 of the White Paper.