HC Deb 02 November 1987 vol 121 cc503-4W
Mr. Thurnham

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if the consumer safety unit has obtained information from other European countries about the application of circuit breakers in the prevention of accidents in the home; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maude

Information obtained on the experience of other countries with residual current circuit breakers has reinforced my view of the value of these devices in preventing accidents. I hope to announce in the new year a collaborative programme with industry aimed at promoting their wider acceptance and use.

Mr. Thurnham

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many people were treated at hospitals in the home accident surveillance system during 1986 as a result of an electrical current accident in the home; what is his estimate for the figures for the whole of the United Kingdom in 1986; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maude

The most recent 12 months for which detailed information is available from the home accident surveillance system cover the period November 1985 to November 1986. During this time, this system recorded details of 88 people who were treated at its 20 hospitals in England and Wales as a result of an electric current accident.

This number is too small to make a reliable estimate of the annual number of such accidents for the whole of England and Wales, but the total is probably between 1,500 and 2,000. No figures are available for Scotland and Northern Ireland which will be participating in the home accident surveillance system for the first time from November 1987.

The most recent year for which detailed information is available on fatal home accidents is 1984 when 26 deaths from electric current accidents were recorded in England and Wales.

The above information is based on the tenth annual report of the home accident surveillance system, 1986 data; which is to be published on 11 November 1987. This report includes more information on the electric current accidents referred to, as well as details of many other types of accidents in the home.

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