HC Deb 26 July 1989 vol 157 cc736-7W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his estimate of the annual increase in demand for health care due to new drugs, new surgical techniques, improved diagnostic techniques, new monitoring and life support equipment and better after-care methods.

Mr. Freeman

There is no precise measure of the annual increase in demand for health care as a result of medical advance which can both raise and lower costs of treatment and care.