HC Deb 08 December 1982 vol 33 c536W
Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the number of deaths from chronic alcoholism in each of the past 10 years; and what percentage of the total number of deaths they account for (a) in total and (b) for males only.

Mr. John MacKay

Deaths are classified according to the international classification of diseases, in which there is no single classification for chronic alcoholism. Figures for deaths from chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, which can be caused by factors other than alcohol, and for deaths from certain other alcohol related causes, are as follows.

Deaths due to chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, Scotland, 1972–1981
Number of deaths
Year Both sexes Males Females Both sexes as percentage of total deaths Males as percentage of male deaths
1972 258 134 124 0.397 0.403
1973 264 142 122 0.409 0.431
1974 328 182 146 0.507 0.556
1975 309 181 128 0.490 0.563
1976 319 179 140 0.489 0.543
1977 336 200 136 0.539 0.639
1978 382 221 161 0.587 0.681
1979 431 255 176 0.656 0.775
1980 406 241 165 0.641 0.761
1981 450 259 191 0.705 0.817
Deaths from selected causes*, Scotland, 1972–1981
Number of deaths
Year Both sexes Males Females Both sexes as percentage of total deaths Males as percentage of male deaths
1972 48 35 13 0.074 0.105
1973 90 65 25 0.139 0.197
1974 127 91 36 0.196 0.278
1975 117 80 37 0.185 0.249
1976 186 129 57 0.285 0.391
1977 177 117 60 0.284 0.374
1978 224 160 64 0.344 0.493
1979 211 151 60 0.321 0.459
1980 180 115 65 0.284 0.363
1981 155 118 37 0.243 0.372
* Alcoholic psychoses, Alcoholic dependence syndrome, Excessive drinking of alcohol.

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