§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of excess winter deaths which occurred in 2000–01 in(a) each English region, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Great Britain, by age band; and if he will provide corresponding estimates for each of the last five years. [7574]
§ Ruth KellyThe information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Steve Webb, dated 15 October 2001:
As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking for estimates of the number of excess winter deaths in 2000–01 for each English region, Wales, Scotland and Great Britain broken down by age band and for corresponding estimates for each of the last five years (7574).Final figures for English Government Office Regions and for Wales for 1995–96 to 1998–99 and provisional figures for 1999–2000 were provided on 8 November 2000, Official Report, columns 269–272W. Figures for Scotland are now the responsibility of the Scottish Executive.The Office for National Statistics will be releasing provisional excess winter mortality figures for 2000–2001 and final figures for 1999–2000 on 18 October 2001. I will be placing a copy in the Libraries of the House at that time.