Most people in Britain oppose moves to limit the NHS to a 'safety-net service', according to a review published by the King's Fund.

It shows opposition to the growth of private healthcare has increased since 1983. Using figures from the British Social Attitudes Survey, the report says that in 1983, 29 per cent of people supported limiting the NHS to people with low incomes, while 64 per cent opposed it. In 1996, the same survey found 21 per cent supported a safety-net service and 77 per cent opposed it.

'Attitudes towards the NHS and its alternatives' in Health Care UK 1997- 98, the King's Fund annual review of health policy. King's Fund bookshop, 0171-307 2591. 14.95.