HC Deb 18 June 1996 vol 279 c407W
Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what conclusions he has drawn about the health of the nation from the last census. [31712]

Mr. Horam

Census information along with other information helps us to monitor the nation's health. It continues to improve. For example, mortality rates have substantially fallen and life expectancy has increased.

The 1991 census contained a specific health related question on limiting long-term illness which showed that, overall, 13 per cent. of the total resident population in England had a long-term illness, health problem or handicap which limited the daily activities or the work that a person could do.