§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many deaths were associated with volatile substance abuse in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [130924]
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§ Ms StuartStatistics collected by St. George's Hospital Medical School and published on 13 July show that there were 70 deaths in the United Kingdom in 1998 associated with Volatile Substance Abuse (VSA). Deaths in 1998 were less than half the number recorded at their peak in 1990. We take any death associated with VSA very seriously and are committed to continuing action to address this problem.
It is particularly important that young people should know about the dangers of abusing volatile substances. We are supporting a programme that will enable general practitioners and other healthcare professionals to assist teachers in communicating health messages about the dangers of drugs and solvents. Other measures to address this issue include a campaign to inform retailers about the risks of volatile substance abuse, and their responsibilities under the law. The Department is also working with voluntary organisations to develop training packages for professionals working with young people at risk of abusing volatile substances.
The report "Trends in Deaths Associated with Abuse of Volatile Substances 1971–1998" is available in the Library.