asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement itemising the components of the public expenditure decisions referred to in the Official Report, c. 220, 24 November 1980 under "Health (withdrawal of some proposals for new charges)" +£121 million.

Of the£121 million at November 1979 prices cited, £100 million represents increased net expenditure on the NHS in England and within my responsibilities. This arises from our decision not to pursue proposals for raising additional income for the NHS in various ways, such as by making a charge for most sight tests and by other measures such as those instanced in Cmnd. 7841.Instead we intend to increase the NITS contribution as a fairer and more acceptable way of maintaining planned spending on the Health Service.