§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the changes in the Budget on sick pay will cost the national health service for its own staff.
§ Dr. MawhinneyA precise estimate of the effect of this change has not been made. The £l.6 billion the Government have given the national health service over original plans for 1993–94 allows for an overall assessment of the effect of this and other cost pressures on the health service. It is not helpful to identify specific sums for individual pressures the size of which will vary from hospital to hospital. Provided pay rises are earned through increased efficiency the hospital and community health service will be able to treat around 4 per cent. more patients next year.