In England & Wales during 1970, suicide caused 1 in 10 deaths within the age group 25-34, was among the first ten most important causes of death for those aged 45-64 & in those over 65 it was a substantial cause of death. In fact, mortality from suicide ranks in numerical importance with tuberculosis, peptic ulcer, diabetes, leukemia & cancers of the cervix, oesophagus & prostate. Thus, suicide as an important public health problem, deserves the attention of those responsible for health.(DD)