HL Deb 20 June 1984 vol 453 cc427-8WA
Lord Blease

asked Her Majesty' s Government:

Whether they will update the information about poisoning accidents in Northern Ireland as stated in the Official Report of 26th July 1983,Vol. 443,cols. 1519 and 1520.

Lord Lyell

Difficulties in distinguishing between cases of accidental and non-accidental poisoning are such that separate accurate figures cannot be guaranteed. Taking account of this, information on hospital admissions for poisoning will no longer attempt the distinction. Figures for the number of persons admitted to hospital during 1983 as a result of poisoning, whether accidental or not, are shown below. Corresponding figures for 1982 are not available following the industrial action in the health and personal social services in that year.

Under 15 15–65 Over 65 Not known Total
1983 366 700 23 12 1101