HC Deb 20 April 1999 vol 329 cc530-1W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health in what ways the £21 billion of extra investment in the NHS will be targeted on improving healthcare provision among those of pensionable age. [80942]

Mr. Hutton

The £21 billion extra investment in the National Health Service will mainly be distributed through general allocation. People aged 65 and over account for approximately 41 per cent. of total expenditure on hospital and community health services, although they make up 16 per cent. of the total population, and therefore will benefit significantly from this new investment.