§ Dr. Owenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the most recent estimates for changes in hospital and community health service pay and prices and input volume for 1984–85.
§ Mr. HayhoeHospital and community health service revenue spending increased by 5.7 per cent. in 1984–85. Pay and price increases averaged 5.8 per cent. This in itself is not a useful measure of spending or services. It does not reflect the cost to the taxpayer of financing the service—which rose by 1.4 per cent.—nor does it take account of improved efficiency, which has now become a major contributor to growth in services. Health authorities achieved a 1 per cent. (£100 million) cost improvement programme in that year. Overall clinical activity rose by 2.9 per cent.
§ Dr. Owenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the most recent estimates for components of the hospital and community health service programme budget for 1984–85.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe 1984–85 programme budget for the hospital and community health service is not yet available.