§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of premature death linked with unemployment on Merseyside during the past five years; and what research his Department has carried out into this matter.
§ Mr. DeakinsMy Department has not commissioned research into the possible links between unemployment and premature death. A study now being undertaken on the problems faced by the unemployed should, however, provide some information on their use of health services. My Department is also evaluating research which has been done elsewhere in order to establish whether it could usefully commission further work in this subject area.