§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the total number of(a) physically disabled and (b) mentally disabled people living in Northern Ireland in each year since 1985.
§ Mr. HanleyThe information available is given in the table. It should be noted that until 1987 information on the210W numbers of physically disabled, mentally handicapped and mentally ill people known to, or in contact with, the health and social services boards was collected on a calendar year basis. Since 1988–89 the information has been collected on a financial year basis and is restricted to include only persons in contact with the health and social services board during that year.
Year Physically disabled Mentally handicapped Mentally ill 1985 37,895 6,630 5,038 1986 38,593 6,610 4,890 1987 40,498 6,783 5,143 1988–89 25,811 6,651 6,690 The figures for 1989–90 have not yet been submitted by the health boards.