HC Deb 25 May 1971 vol 818 cc48-9W
2. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the age groups, for males and females, when people are more liable to suffer from alcoholism; what is the number of deaths as a result; and what relationship the number bears to the five most lethal diseases.

Mr. Alison

Between 40 and 50 for both males and females. The latest statistics on the number of deaths by age groups registered in England and Wales attributed to alcoholism, alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver and the toxic effects of alcoholism are given below.

The five most lethal diseases mentioned in my reply to the hon. Member on 4th May all had larger numbers of deaths.—[Vol. 816, c. 1144–5.]

55. Mr Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total number of males and females known to be receiving some form of treatment for alcoholism; and what are their respective age groups.

Mr. Alison

The latest available figures are for 1969. In that year the number of admissions to mental illness hospitals and units in England of patients whose diagnosis included alcoholism or alcoholic psychosis was 5,890 for men and 1,598 for women. Figures are not available for those treated as out-patients or by general practitioners.