Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated population within each of the district councils in the areas for which the Eastern Health and Social Services area board provides hospital services; and what were the corresponding figures five years ago.
§ Mr. HanleyThe most recent information, contained in the mid-year estimates of population, relates to 1990 and is as follows:
District council area 1987 1990 Ards 63,600 65,400 Belfast 303,800 295,100 Castlereagh 57,900 58,100 Down 56,400 57,700 Lisburn 92,900 98,700 North Down 70,700 72,600 Figures for 1991 will be based on data obtained from the 1991 census and will not be available until after publication of the census summary report in the autumn. I shall write to the right hon. Member when the figures are available and place a copy of the letter in the Library.