asked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange for the regular publication of statistics regarding the work of the National Health Service and its cost.

This is already being done. I am, however, considering how, when resources permit, I can increase this service.

Does the Minister not agree that inherent in the recommendations or the Guillebaud Report are suggestions that we should have much more publicity and information about the way in which the service is operating, and that the provisions so far are inadequate?

As the hon. Gentleman is aware, a statistician was appointed to my Ministry in July, 1955. In consequence, all our statistics will be reviewed over the next few years, and I hope that, as a result, new publications will be made available.

Does the Minister not agree that there is need for additional staff in addition to the one statistician who has been appointed, since it will take many years for him to tackle the whole job?

Let us see how we get on with our present staff, which consists of one statistician and supporting staff.

asked the Minister of Health what, expressed as a percentage of the gross national product, was the cost of the National Health Service in England and Wales in the two financial years 1949–50 and 1954–55, respectively; and what, at constant prices and expressed as a percentage of the 12 months ended 31st March, 1950, was the capital expenditure on hospitals in England and Wales during the year ended on 31st March, 1955.

With regard to the first part of the Question, the net cost of the Service to the Exchequer for the two years represents 3·05 per cent. and 2·73 per cent. of the gross national product, respectively. The answer to the last part of the Question is approximately 100 per cent.

Is the Minister aware that the first part of his Answer indicates a serious diminution of the proportion of national resources devoted to the cure and prevention of illness? Does he not regard this as false economy, and if it continues, will it not prevent him from discharging his responsibilities under the Act?

What it shows is the measure of the increase in efficiency in the National Health Service, because more people are being treated and better treatment is being given for a smaller share of the gross national product.