HC Deb 17 November 2003 vol 413 cc475-6W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease there were in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years. [138977]

Mr. Pearson

The following table gives the number of deaths resulting from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, registered in Northern Irel and from 1998 to 2002.

Number of registered deaths by year in Northern Ireland resulting from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Deaths
1998 627
1999 704
2000 610
2000 584
2001 553

Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to reduce the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Northern Ireland. [138978]

Angela Smith

Although there is evidence of some genetic component to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the majority of cases are associated with smoking, exposure to air pollution, including that caused by environmental tobacco smoke, and lung damage arising from respiratory infections.

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety published a five year Tobacco Action Plan in July 2003. The Plan addresses a number of key issues, including prevention, helping smokers to quit and protecting the public from tobacco smoke. An Implementation Group, under the chairmanship of the Chief Medical Officer, is taking forward the 24 action points identified in the Plan.