HL Deb 06 November 1998 vol 594 cc65-6WA
Lord Selkirk of Douglas

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many people have been killed by lightning strikes in the United Kingdom in each of the last 10 years and in what circumstances; and what guidance they provide with a view to prevention. [HL3652]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

Letter to Lord Selkirk of Douglas from the Director of the Office for National Statistics, Dr. T. Holt, dated 6 November 1998.

As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary Question on how many people have been killed by lightning strikes in the United Kingdom in each of the last 10 years and in what circumstances; and what guidance is provided with a view to prevention.

The information requested is shown in the table.

Deaths caused by lightning in the United Kingdom, 1988–97
Year Deaths by lightning
1988 3
1989 3
1990 1
1991 2
1992 3
1993 3
1994 5
1995 2
1996 5
1997* 1
* 1997 data are provisional.

The circumstances under which people are killed by lightning are not routinely recorded at death registration. No guidance is provided with a view to prevention.