Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 November 1996. It was answered by Angela Knight (Conservative) on Monday, 11 November 1996 on behalf of the Office for National Statistics.

Treasury;Office for National Statistics

Question: What is his most recent calculation of the numbers of people who have died in each of the past five years as a result of using (a) methadone, (b) temazepam, (c) diazepam and (d) heroin. - Includes text of letter from Tim Holt of Office for National Statistics and ref to Mortality statistics: injury and poisoning, England and Wales, series DH4, nos 17 and 18 (in Library).

Answer: Mr. Flynn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his most recent calculation of the number of people who have died in each of the past five years as a result of using (a) methadone, (b) temazepam, (c) diazepam and (d) heroin. [1551] Mrs. Angela Knight: [holding answer 5 November 1996]: The information falls within the responsibility of the chief executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given. Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 11 November 1996: The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply as the Director of the Office for National Statistics to your recent question on the numbers of people who have died in each of the last five years as a result of using methadone, temazepam, diazepam and heroin. The numbers of deaths in 1991-1992 as a result of using methadone, temazepam, diazepam and heroin are published in Table 10 of Mortality statistics: injury and poisoning, England and Wales, Series DH4, nos. 17 and 18, copies of which are available in the House of Commons Library. The information for 1993, 1994 and 1995 could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Secondary information