§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list his policies to reduce the suicide rate. [10747]
§ Mr. BowisThe Government's "The Health of the Nation" strategy set a target of reducing the rate of suicide by 15 per cent. between 1990 and the year 2000. Figures based on estimates provided by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys show that the suicide rate in England fell by around 7 per cent. between 1992 and 1994. A wide range of initiatives are being pursued to this end. The key themes of our suicide prevention work are improving mental health services, increasing public awareness of mental health issues, targeting occupational and demographic groups at particular risk of suicide, and reducing access to means.