§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the most recently available estimates of the percentage changes in demand on the hospital and community health services due to demographic change for each year from 1972–73 to 1996–97.
§ Mr. Sackville[holding answer 11 November 1992]: The table estimates the change in the level of resources required each year, as a result of changes in the age structure of the population of England, to maintain hospital and community health services at constant levels per head. Figures prior to 1975–76 are not available. The figure for 1993–94, 0.5 per cent., compares with the estimated increase of at least 2.5 per cent. in hospital and community health activity which we expect the national health service to achieve as a result of the additional funding announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Estimated percentage change in demand on the hospital and community health services due to demographic changes Year Increase over previous year Per cent. 1975–76 0.1 1976–77 0.2 1977–78 0.3 1978–79 1.0 1979–80 1.3 1980–81 1.1 1981–82 0.4 1982–83 0.4 1983–84 0.5 1984–85 0.6 1985–86 1.3 1986–87 0.9 1987–88 1.4 1988–89 1.0 1989–90 0.9 11990–91 0.7 21991–92 0.6 21992–93 0.7 21993–94 0.5 21994–95 0.5 21995–96 0.9 21996–97 0.7 1 Estimated. 2 Projected.