'These new House of Commons figures reveal alcohol related deaths in St Edmundsbury have more than doubled since 1997 and in 2004 were twice the number seen in Ipswich.'

David Ruffley MP has today voiced his strong concern that the number of alcohol related deaths in St Edmundsbury has more than doubled in the last eight years. In comparison the number of deaths in the Ipswich Borough Council area has decreased by 36 percent since 1997.

David Ruffley's latest Parliamentary question to John Healey, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, has exposed these new figures that also show St Edmundsbury has the highest rate of alcohol related deaths in the whole of Suffolk.

In 1997 there were 6 alcohol related deaths in St Edmundsbury and 11 in Ipswich. However, these figures have steadily reversed and in 2004, the latest year for which figures are available, there were 14 in St Edmundsbury compared with 7 in Ipswich.

David has written to Mike Stonard, Chief Executive of Suffolk West PCT, asking what the Trust is doing to discourage alcoholism in the West Suffolk area and if he has any explanation for the increase.

David said:

'These new House of Commons figures reveal alcohol related deaths in St Edmundsbury have more than doubled since 1997 and in 2004, the latest year for which figures are available, were twice the number seen in Ipswich. This is a worrying trend and one we need to make every effort to reverse.

'Therefore, I have today written to Mike Stonard at Suffolk West PCT asking what his Trust is doing to combat alcoholism and what explanation, if any, he has for this disturbing increase.

'As the New Year approaches these figures make a serious point and I encourage my constituents across Suffolk to enjoy their celebrations but to exercise good sense while doing so.'