§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the percentage change in(a) the retail prices index and (b) the health service prices index between September 1991 and September 1992; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Portillo[holding answer 6 November 1992]: The retail prices index rose by 3.6 per cent. and the health service prices index rose by 4.8 per cent.
Unlike the retail prices index, the health service prices index measures changes in input costs, whereas it is output costs which bear on the amount of health care delivered. Output costs in the NHS have over long periods moved in line with those in the economy, taking account of efficiency gains.