§ 10. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to co-ordinate information as to what is happening in various parts of the country to deal with problems associated with the care of old people with a view to making this information readily available to those areas where there is a desire to make progress in respect to the care of old people.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganMy right hon. Friend already gathers information about the care of old people from his regional officers and other sources. He draws attention to significant developments through his annual report, circulars of guidance to local authorities, addresses to conferences and in other ways.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes the hon. Gentleman mean that if a town which wishes to do something special for its old people communicates with his Department and seeks information, for instance, about old people's weeks and such things that focus attention on the problem of old people, information, advice and assistance will be obtained?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganI am sure that principal regional officers will always be glad to help in a matter of that sort.
§ Sir K. JosephDoes my hon. Friend think that in this, like so many other health matters, voluntary bodies should not be ignored? Does my hon. Friend not agree that the bulletin of the National Old People's, Welfare Committee, an excellent publication, gives this information to the local authorities?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganI am very glad that my hon. Friend has chosen this opportunity to draw attention to the work of the National Old People's Welfare Committee.
§ Mr. AllaunWill the Minister circulate information about the remarkable pioneering work in this field carried out in Salford, particularly relating to old people living on their own?