§ 40. Mr. Doddsasked the Prime Minister in view of the desire of the public of all shades of opinion that more should be done to ensure that old people are given a greater share in the national prosperity, if he will give consideration to the appointment of a Minister for the welfare of the elderly, for the purpose of co-ordinating and expanding existing services, dealing with pensions, accommodation and amenities for leisure.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)Old people have already benefited substantially from our increased national prosperity and the Government intend that they shall continue to do so. But I do not think it would be helpful to appoint a Minister to co-ordinate the several functions performed by my right hon. Friends, who do of course keep in close touch with one another on this important matter.
§ Mr. DoddsIf the Prime Minister considers it unnecessary to appoint a 186 Minister especially to deal with the welfare of elderly people whose numbers are rapidly increasing, does he not appreciate that, despite the fine words of himself and his colleagues at the last General Election, so far a mere 80,000 have been allowed to earn more money without loss of pension and 1 million others have had virtually nothing done for them? Will he be frank and tell the House whether there is any hope of getting some benefit in the near future for these people, because time is not on their side? Or is it that the Government having made the decision to spend fabulous sums of money on doubtful defence purposes, there is no money left for the old people?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is another question which is for the Government as a whole. The hon. Member asked whether I would appoint a special Minister to co-ordinate this problem. My answer is that I do not think that would help in solving the problem.