asked the Minister for Health the estimated percentage increase in current spending on health; if this is less than the rate of inflation; and the areas which he proposes to cut.

The estimated non-capital expenditure on health services for 1981 represents an increase of about 9.3 per cent on the actual out-turn of expenditure in 1980, after excluding the provision made in 1980 for certain non-recurring payments related to special pay claim settlements.

I should point out that price inflation affects only the non-pay element in health expenditure which represents about one-third of the total expenditure. It is not a comprehensive indicator of the over-all increase in expenditure requirements in any given year. Discussions are in progress with the health boards on the use of the resources available.

Can the Minister say what is the difference between the inflation rate and the 9.3 per cent in the non-pay element of the estimate? How much did it amount to? What is the percentage?

One-third of the total is non-pay.

Taking inflation into account what is the difference?

What is the difference between that and the inflation expected during the current year?

Yes.

In the first instance, I do not know what the inflation rate will be during the current year. We believe the resources we have been allocating will be adequate to maintain the services.

Is the Minister giving us an assurance that there will be no reduction in the quality of the services provided by the various health authorities as a result of the present expenditure of money by the Government?

Yes, the services will be maintained at their present level.