HC Deb 13 July 1983 vol 45 cc369-70W
Mr. Boyes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people, by sex and age, have died as a result of solvent sniffing.

Mr. John Patten

Exact figures of deaths associated with solvent abuse are not available, but it is known that 104 confirmed cases occurred in the United Kingdom between 1 January 1981 and 31 December 1982. An analysis by sex and age is as follows:

Solvent abuse deaths, 1981 and 1982—United Kingdom
Age at death Total Males Females
Under 16 28 27 1
16–17 31 30 1
18–24 28 27 1
25 and over 17 15 2
Total 104 99 5

Mr. Boyes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will fund a project to discover an additive that will make solvents unattractive to glue sniffers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. and learned Friend on 11 April 1983. —[Vol. 40, c.356.]

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