§ 32. Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many reported cases of hypothermia there were among the elderly people in the Greater London area in the recent exceptionally cold spell since 1 February; if he will have consultations with the relevant authorities to seek to counteract such cases in future; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyInformation on the incidence of morbidity due to hypothermia is not available centrally. The provisional figure for the number of deaths with any mention of hypothermia on the death certificate registered in the Greater London area for persons aged 65 and over for the period 1–21 February inclusive is 15.
We have taken steps to see that elderly people and those caring for them get advice on how to minimise the effects of cold. A comprehensive pack of training materials and information on this subject for those in contact with elderly people is being developed by the Health Education Council. In the meantime, "Warmth in Winter", a leaflet published by the council, contains simple, practical advice for elderly people on keeping warm. A number of health and local authorities and voluntary organisations have produced similar material. We have also made 448W arrangements to publicise the availability of supplementary benefit single payments for extra fuel used during periods of exceptionally severe weather.
§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give provisional figures to show the number of deaths in February 1986 with any mention of hypothermia on the death certificate in (a) England and (b) Wales.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe provisional numbers of deaths registered in(a) England and (b) Wales during February 1986 with any mention of hypothermia on the death certificate, irrespective of whether it did or did not appear as the underlying cause of death, are 161 and 13 respectively.