§ Mr. Harrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many deaths have been recorded over each of the last five years or any lesser convenient period through deliberate inhaling of butane gas.
§ Mr. John PattenExact figures of deaths associated with deliberate inhalation of butane gas are not available but it is known that 42 confirmed cases occurred in England and Wales in the last five years:—1979—four; 1980—eight; 1981—11; 1982—five; 1983—14. The figures do not include 14 deaths from inhalation of liquefied petroleum gas, including butane, in the period 1979 to 1983 where a verdict of suicide was recorded.