§ Q6. Dame Irene Wardasked the Prime Minister whether he will invite the Department of Applied Economics at Cambridge to undertake a further up-to-date survey as a matter of urgency on the economic circumstances of old people.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I do not think that such a survey is called for.
§ Dame Irene WardIf my right hon. Friend is not aware of these facts, how many people in the affluent section of society know how others, living on small fixed incomes or drawing retirement pensions and faced with increases in the prices of coal, gas and electricity—[HON. MEMBERS: "And rents."]—are to manage substantially for the next month or two of the winter? Does not he think that it would be a good idea to hold an inquiry into what was said in this Report to see what we can do to enable these in the more affluent section to do their duty by those not so well off?
§ The Prime MinisterThe real value of retirement pensions and assistance rates has been considerably improved since the last survey, referred to last week when I undertook to see what action was proposed. A survey, in much the same form but in a limited field, is being carried out by the Government Social Survey in order to discover the 226 ability of old people to cope with difficulties in their homes. It is being held in Lewisham and began in 1961. I understand that the information will be provided next May.
§ Mr. GaitskellIn view of the fact that the Prime Minister cast doubt on the value of the Cambridge survey because the sample was too small, what will be the sample in the Lewisham inquiry?
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that the inquiry covers all old people in the town.
Miss LeeIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I agree with him that a new survey is wholly unnecessary? Is he aware also that apparently everyone, except members of the Cabinet, is aware from daily experience that one cannot really get old people nourished and warm and looked after properly with the present rates?
§ The Prime MinisterI recognise that there are problems, but I would point out that there has not been a period when the position of retirement pensions and assistance benefits has not been improved, and when they have not been given better support in one year than in the year before.
§ Dame Irene WardWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, while there have been these increases, the general community is not satisfied that these old people are properly provided for? Is he aware that that is what I am trying to ask him to bear in mind? I am delighted to know about the Lewisham survey, but can we not get on with trying to do something for these people?
§ The Prime MinisterWe have done a great deal and we shall do anything more that we can possibly do.