§ 52. Sir Wavell Wakefieldasked the Minister of Food for what purpose an official from his Department has been visiting old age pensioners living in Wharncliffe Gardens, Dicksee House, Nightingale Buildings, Cooper House, Exeter Street, Christchurch Dwellings, Bell Street, Fisherton Street and Lisson Street, St. Marylebone; if he is aware that the official examines and weighs all items of food in the larder, inspects the coal box and carries out an exhaustive questioning of the old age pensioners as to how every penny of their pension has been spent; and will he stop this personal interrogation of old people about their personal affairs.
§ Dr. SummerskillI assume that these old people were visited by an investigator from the London Press Exchange, Ltd. who conduct the Family Food Survey on behalf of my Department. Larder stocks can be weighed only with the householder's permission. Any information collected is given quite voluntarily, and no questions are asked about coal, or about expenditure on anything but food.
§ Sir W. WakefieldIs the Minister aware that this inquisition has caused great distress among old people, and would it not be far better, if information is required, to get the welfare workers and voluntary helpers, who are well known to these old aged pensioners, to make such inquiries rather than have an inquisition of this type which is reminiscent of the Gestapo of Germany?
§ Dr. SummerskillI am surprised to hear the hon. Gentleman compare this with the Gestapo in Germany because it was introduced by the Coalition Government in 1941.
§ Mr. Thomas BrownWill the Minister have the results of the investigations which have been made—under whatever heading—printed and placed in the Library so that Members of this House will understand how these poor creatures live?
§ Dr. SummerskillI am quite prepared to let any hon.. Member have a copy of 207 the latest investigations, if they care to avail themselves of it
§ Mrs. Ayrton GouldCan my hon. Friend say whether, before the questions are asked, it is always made quite clear to old age pensioners that any information they give is voluntary?
§ Dr. SummerskillYes. In the past these people have co-operated in a very friendly spirit, and this has been the most practical way of discovering the standard of living of what we consider to be the vulnerable groups of the population.