§ 15. Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much more money, in real terms, is 858W being spent on the National Health Service in the current year than in 1978–79; if he will provide a breakdown of where this additional money is being spent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonSpending on the National Health Service in England has increased from £6.4 billion in 1978–79 to £15.6 billion in 1986–87. That is an increase in real terms of 24 per cent. Patients ad staff in all parts of the service and in all areas of the country are benefiting. The additional resources have contributed to the employment of more doctors and nurses in the hospitals, more general practitioners, to major increases in the number of patients treated and to the greatest sustained hospital building programme ever.
§ 22. Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is yet able to make any estimate of the outturn expenditure of the social security budget for the current financial year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MajorAn estimate of outturn on the social security programme in this financial year will be included in the autumn statement of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ 25. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement about funding of the National Health Service in London, with particular reference to the resource allocation working party formula.
§ Mr. NewtonThe resource allocation working party formula seeks to ensure equal access to services for people in equal need by reducing historical disparities in provision between regions as far as possible, and also responding to population movements. The RAWP formula itself is currently under review to ensure that it does measure relative need for services as fairly as possible. Wide-ranging consultation ended on 30 June and we are expecting an interim report later this year.
§ 29. Mr. Jesselasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the review of the resource allocation working party system.
§ Mr. NewtonWide-ranging consultation on the review ended on 30 June. We arc expecting an interim report later this year.
§ 30. Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a further statement on resources available to the Leicestershire district health authority under the National Health Service.
§ Mr. NewtonI am glad to confirm that the Leicestershire district health authority's revenue allocation has increased by over one-third in real terms since 1978–79. I would expect further increases as a result of continued progress towards the Government's aim of ensuring an equitable distribution of National Health Service resources across the country.