HC Deb 13 June 2000 vol 351 c580W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what statistics relating to the responsibilities of his Department are collated by parliamentary constituency, indicating the dates covered in each case. [123839]

Ms Stuart

[holding answer 25 May 2000]Statistics collected in the Department are largely by health authority, local authority or National Health Service trust reflecting local lines of responsibility and accountability. The Department publishes a wide range of detail at these levels. Comprehensive information at constituency level could be collected and published only at disproportionate cost.

The Library provides a tailored service for hon. Members; statistics which can often be provided at parliamentary constituency level include economic statistics (employment, unemployment and inactivity), claimant count, employees jobs, average earnings and census data.

Following the publication of the Social Exclusion Unit's report on the National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal we are working closely with the Office for National Statistics on improving information across Government at a level and a consultation report on better information was produced in April 2000. This, along with information which will emerge from the 2001 census will allow a wider range of health data to be available at a local level.