§ Mr. HansonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 18 March,Official Report, column 2, at assessment he has made of the reasons for the (a) rise in male suicides and (b) fall in female suicides. [24136]
§ Mr. BowisI have been asked to reply.
The suicide rate among young men under the age of 25 rose during the 1970s and 1980s but has since stabilised and that for some groups of older men has declined. The suicide rate in older women is also declining, and that in young women is remaining steady. The overall rate of suicide has declined by 4 per cent. between 1990 and 1994.
The reasons for these trends is being explored. Meanwhile, in pursuing "The Health of the Nation" target of reducing the rate of suicide by 15 per cent. by 2000, we are undertaking a number of initiatives, including focusing on particular occupational and demographic groups which appear to be at higher risk of suicide.