HC Deb 10 May 2001 vol 368 cc276-7W
17. Fiona Mactaggart

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the Government's plans to invest additional resources in the NHS this year.[159895]

Mr. Andrew Smith

Before the 2001 Budget the Chancellor received many representations from professional organi[...]sations, trade bodies, members of the public and Members of Parliament on a wide range of issues, including the NHS. In the Budget, the Chancellor announced additional resources for the NHS in England of £300 million, £295 million and £240 million in the period 2001–02 to 2003–04 over and above the significant increases already announced in the 2000 Spending Review. These in vestment plans have been widely welcomed as the basis for the strategy of investment and reform set out in the NHS Plan and the Department of Health's public service agreement targets.

20. Mr. Khabra

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his plans for spending on the health service in each of the next three years. [159898]

26. Mr. Prosser

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for investment in the national health service over the next four years. [159906]

Mr. Andrew Smith

Total net NHS expenditure in the UK is planned to reach £69.5 million by 2003–04, representing an annual average increase of 5.7 per cent. in real terms over the period 2001–02 to 2003–04. Plans for future years will be set in the next spending review. In England these plans support the strategy of investment and reform set out in the NHS Plan and the Department of Health public service agreement targets. Key priorities include cutting waiting times, tackling health inequalities and investing in world-class hospitals and equipment.