8.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he can give an estimate of the cost to the National Health Service of skateboarding accidents.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has recently suggested that the cost of skateboarding accidents to National Health Service hospitals may be as much as £6 million annually. Towards the end of this year I am expecting from the home accident surveillance system fuller information on which to base an estimate.
Does the hon. Gentleman agree that those are very alarming figures in relation to a hard-pressed Service? Since prevention is better than cure, what practical steps does the Minister propose to take to try to reduce the number of accidents?
We wish to encourage all skateboard users to wear protective clothing and, as far as possible, to keep to areas specifically designated for skateboarding, away from roads and pavements. In addition, the Department of Prices and Consumer Protection has arranged for a skateboard safety code to be supplied to those who buy British-manufactured skateboards. It is a comprehensive document, and if the hon. Lady is interested I shall arrange for a copy to be sent to her.
I recognise that my hon. Friend is awaiting a report on the situa- tion, but can he indicate what sort of accidents are being caused and to whom?
I am most concerned by evidence from studies carried out here and in the United States which suggest that skateboard users are particularly vulnerable to head injuries and fractures of the lower limbs. Obviously, such injuries can have serious consequences for young people and they should be forewarned.