§ Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report how many people in all age groups are known to suffer from epilepsy; which parts of the United Kingdom record the most known number of such sufferers of this disease; whether 718W this disease has any effect upon their ability to find full-time employment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George Young[pursuant to his reply, 21 December 1979, c. 527–8]: Epilepsy is not a notifiable condition and the Department has no record of the number of people suffering from epilepsy either in total or by area. There have been various estimates of the prevalence of epilepsy all suggesting a rate of between 4 and 6 per thousand population. A survey conducted by the College of General Practitioners in 1960 showed a prevalence of 5.9 per thousand population under 25 years of age, 4.7 per thousand for those between 35–44 and 3.4 per thousand for those aged 54–64. The report "People with Epilepsy", which was published by the Department in 1969, estimated the numbers at some 190,000 adults and 100,000 children aged 16 and under in England and Wales.
Recent advances in medical treatment have enabled most people with epilepsy to lead a full family and working life: many attacks are of a minor nature and even major attacks can be well controlled.
Employment prospects may be affected by epilepsy, depending on the nature and frequency of attacks. The attitudes of employers and the general public may contribute to the difficulty some people experience in securing employment.
The Manpower Services Commission is aware of the problems and ensures that those concerned with placement in employment of disabled people are fully informed. In addition, the Committeeon Restrictions Against Disabled People has been asked to look into and report on the question of discrimination against disabled people, including those suffering from epilepsy, and it is currently collecting evidence on all aspects of this subject.