HC Deb 05 February 2004 vol 417 cc1064-5W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the financial cost of the treatment of depression to the NHS in the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [152358]

Ms Rosie Winterton

Information relating to the financial cost of treating depression is not collected centrally and no estimate can be made. However, the Government are aware that depression represents a significant burden, not least to those affected and their families.