§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) where Peterborough stands nationally in relation to drug-related deaths per 100,000 of the population; [155115]
(2) how many drug-related deaths there were per 100,000 of the population in Peterborough in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what the (a) highest, (b) lowest and (c) average figure was for constituencies in England. [155116]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 23 March 2001]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
Letter from Len Cook to Mrs. Helen Brinton, dated 26 March 2001:
As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent questions about where Peterborough stands nationally in relation to drug-related deaths per 100,000 of the population, how many drug-related deaths there were per 100,000 of the population in Peterborough in the last 12 months for which figures are available and what the highest, lowest and average figures were for constituencies in England. (155115, 155116).
Rates per 100,000 population are only available for Local Authorities. The Office for National Statistics holds a database on drug-related deaths. This contains information on deaths from accidents and suicides involving drugs, as well as poisonings due to drug abuse and drug dependence. It includes deaths from drugs such as paracetamol and aspirin as well as drugs of abuse. The full definition of deaths relating to drug poisoning can be found in Health Statistics Quarterly 09 (copies of which are in the House of Commons library).
In 1999, the age-standardised death rate from drug poisonings in Peterborough Unitary Authority was 3 deaths per 100,000 population, compared to an average of 5 deaths per 100,000 for England as a whole. In Local Authorities with more than one death during 1999, the highest age-standardised mortality rate was 16 deaths per 100,000 population. There were 14 local authorities where no deaths were recorded.