HC Deb 25 June 1998 vol 314 cc580-1W
Mr. Maude

To ask the Secretary of State for Health by how much health spending rose as a proportion of gross domestic product between 1978–79 and 1997–98; and how much it has risen in 1998–99. [46479]

Mr. Milburn

The information requested is in the table.

United Kingdom National Health Service expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP)
Year UK NHS gross expenditure as a percentage proportion of GDP1
1978–79 4.7
1997–98 5.6
1998–99 5.6
1 The table is calculated using National Health Service total gross outturn figures for the United Kingdom for 1978–79, estimated outturn for 1997–98, and planned expenditure for 1998–99, and estimates of GDP published on 17 March 1998