§ Mr. Andrew BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give his latest estimate of the number of males and females in England who suffer from incontinence; if he will express this figure in percentage terms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieI refer my hon. Friend to my reply to him on 25 February 1988 at column294–5.
The epidemiological survey conducted by the Medical Research Council's epidemiology and medical care unit, which is the latest source of information available, was completed in 1978 and was part of a 10-year survey on incontinence. I regret that there are no figures to show the prevalence of incontinence in England alone, nor is it possible to give details in the form requested.
However, the Office of Population, Censuses and Surveys is currently carrying out a major survey of the numbers, circumstances and needs of disabled people. The results, which will include statistics on incontinence, will be published in a series of reports starting later this year.