The biggest hospital building programme in the history of the NHS is underway. After decades of neglect the NHS is now expanding its services to patients. In this Government's first two years in office spending on the NHS did not rise as quickly as many had hoped. But the tough choices that we took then are paying off for the NHS now. Interest rates and inflation are at historic lows.
Unemployment is down, employment is up.
The public finances are back in balance. A strong and growing economy is now providing the foundation for strong and growing public services. Over the five years from 1999 the NHS budget will grow by one half in cash terms and by one third in real terms. Today I can inform the House of the funding allocations for each health authority in England. The cash is for revenue purposes.