§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give the estimated numbers of people dying from hypothermia and the number of other cold-related deaths for each year since 1980; and if he will outline the steps being taken by his Department to reduce the numbers of such deaths.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe numbers of deaths where hypothermia is recorded on the death certificate, either as primary or secondary cause of death, for England and Wales, are as follows:
Many causes of death are cold-related, in that the number of deaths from them increases in winter. However, hypothermia is the only cause that can be directly identified as a cold-related disease from mortality statistics.
Year Number of Deaths 1980 596 1981 685 1982 664 1983 538 1984 555 align="right"1985 827 1986 837 1987 1559 1988 2363 1 Provisional. 2 Provisional figure, to end of November. We have again this winter launched the "Keep Warm Keep Well" campaign, in co-operation with Age Concern, Help the Aged and Neighbourhood Energy Action to offer advice on sensible self-help and the help available from statutory and voluntary services. I have sent a copy of the campaign booklet to the hon. Member and placed copies in the Library. Further copies can be obtained by telephoning the winter warmth helpline on 0800 289404.