HC Deb 07 March 1985 vol 74 cc596-7W
Mr. Chris Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has about the incidence of leukaemia on the east Dorset coast during each of the last 10 years; how the figures compare with the national average for the incidence of leukaemia; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

The information is shown in the table. Due to delays in the receipt of data from some of the regions, the latest year for which data on the registration of leukaemia (as opposed to deaths) are available is 1981. Great care should be taken in trying to draw any worthwhile conclusion from the figures for the east Dorset coast, as these are based on relatively few cancer registrations. The age structure of the population also has to be considered. Age-adjusted rates for the east Dorset coast have therefore been provided for a better comparison with the national figures.

The rates for males on the east Dorset coast, after allowing for the age of the local population, are higher than the national figures for seven of the 10 years 1972 to 1981. It is not possible to determine whether enhanced recognition and registration of leukaemia in east Dorset, or different diagnostic terms, account for any of the excess. The rates for females show smaller differences, with no excess in east Dorset greater than might occur from chance variation due to small numbers of cases.

Mr. Whitney

It is estimated that about £2 million will become available for resettlement purposes on an annual basis from the closure of re-establishment centres.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Elmet (Mr. Batiste) on 5 February, Official Report, column 548, which are the resettlement units outside London which are to be closed within three years.

Mr. Whitney

The intention is to make alternative provision that will make it possible to close the following resettlement units over the next three years:

  • Alvaston, Derby
  • Bishopbriggs, Glasgow
  • Brighton
  • Fazakerley, Liverpool
  • Plawsworth, Co. Durham
  • Stormy Down, Bridgend
  • Walkden, Manchester
  • Winterbourne, Bristol

Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the animals now cared for in national reassessment centres; and what plans he has for their location following the closure of the centres.

Mr. Whitney

[pursuant to his reply, 1 March 1985, c. 338]: In this Department's 23 resettlement units there are 15 cats, two dogs, a goat, a donkey, a guinea pig and varying quantities of rabbits, poultry, cage birds and fish. When the units close, these animals will be offered to staff, pet shops or farms as appropriate.