§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the average amount currently being paid by an average family of four by way of the annual subscription to private health care schemes; and what are the comparable figures in terms of taxes and charges payable in respect of the National Health Service.
§ Mr. NewtonIn 1986, the latest year for which United Kingdom data are available, the annual average subscription to private health care schemes per family of four was £468. Gross NHS expenditure for the same year was £1,380 per family of four. However, these figures are not directly comparable. Health Service expenditure includes the family practitioner service as well as care for the mentally ill, mentally handicapped and frail elderly, services not generally covered by private health insurance.