§ Mr. Matthew BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of women over the age of 55 years are estimated by his Department to suffer from osteoporosis; what percentage of women will contract the illness on current trends during their lifetime; and if he will make a statement. [24618]
§ Mr. HoramInformation on the number of women suffering from osteoporosis is not available centrally. The report of the advisory group on osteoporosis suggested that 22 per cent. of women over 50 have low bone density-osteopenia. This can lead to the development of osteoporosis. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library.