§ 36. Sir David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the increase in resources made available to the National Health Service over the five financial years from 1980–81 to 1984–85 measured in constant prices; and whether over those five years pay levels have kept up with the increase in prices.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeFinancial allocations to the National Health Service have increased at an average rate of 2.1 per cent. per year in real terms over the period from 1980–81 to 1984–85 making a total increase of 8.7 per cent. Over the same period, the average pay levels of all health authority staff have increased by 26.0 per cent., and the retail price index has increased by 31.3 per cent. However there had been a very significant pay award in 1979–80 and taking back the figures by one year would give a very different picture.