Written question asked by Peter Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 26 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 November 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 November 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many individuals there are in the Province with a learning disability. - Including figure.

Answer: Mr. Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many individuals there are in the Province with a learning disability. [194521] Angela Smith: Information on the total number of people with a learning disability is not available, as many people with learning disabilities are not in contact with healthcare providers. However, provisional figures for the year 2003-04 indicate there were 9,692 people in the Learning Disability Programme of Care who were in contact with social services.

Secondary information