§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much is being spent on health services in the London area during the current year; how this compares with 1978–79; what is the projected expenditure on the same services in the next financial year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeRevenue expenditure on hospital and community health services by district and special health authorities in the greater London area was £990.3 million in 1978–79 and £1,943.8 million in 1984–85 (the latest year for which information is available centrally). This represents a cash increase of 96.3 per cent. and a real terms increase over and above general inflation of 10.4 per cent. The detail of cash allocations to district health authorities is a matter for regional health authorities. My hon. Friend may wish to approach the chairmen of the Thames regional health authorities and of the special health authorities for the London postgraduate teaching hospitals for further information relating to 1985–86 and 1986–87. The health authorities will not make firm plans for 1987–88 until the resources available nationally have been determined and allocations to regions have been announced towards the end of 1986.