§ Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many sufferers from epilepsy in the United Kingdom were known to his Department at 31st December 1977; and what assistance they receive from his Department.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisWhile information on the number of people with epilepsy in the United Kingdom is not collected by my Department, I accept the estimate made in the report "People with Epilepsy", which was published by the Department in 1969, that there may be up to 300,000 sufferers from epilepsy in England and Wales.
In addition to the wide range of general services provided by health and local authorities, people with epilepsy have access to specialist health services when these are needed. They may also be eligible for one or more of the social security benefits administered by my Department.
I welcome the efforts of the British Epilepsy Association in drawing attention to the problems of people with epilepsy and most warmly commend the initiative of organising National Epilepsy Week.