HC Deb 08 July 1993 vol 228 cc251-2W
Mr. Nigel Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were admitted to hospitals in England and Wales suffering from the acute effects of anorexia and other slimming illnesses in the latest available year.

Mr. Bowis

The latest available figures for —England1989–90—show that there were 1,420 recorded finished consultant episodes with diagnoses of anorexia nervosa and a further 180 finished consultant episodes with the diagnosis of bulimia. Episodes involving the acute effects of these diseases are not separately identifiable. Information relating to Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

Mr. Nigel Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are being introduced to help people suffering from anorexia and other slimming-related illnesses; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Bowis

Health Authorities are responsible for meeting the needs of people with eating disorders but the Department has advised on and drawn attention to the importance of such disorders in the "Mental Illness Key Area Handbook", a copy of which is available in the Library.