Blair promises to raise spending on NHS to European average

Britain's prime minister, Tony Blair, pledged more money for the NHS this week, promising on television to raise the proportion of the UK gross domestic product spent on health from the present 6.8%to the European national average, 8%If he carries out his pledge, spending on the NHS will rise by at least £9bn ($14.4bn).

Mr Blair was forced to take the initiative on health following a week of …