HC Deb 05 July 1965 vol 715 cc1114-6
35. Mrs. McKay

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has, arising from his review of the social services, to take steps to encourage voluntary organisations concerned with the amelioration of the social problem of loneliness.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. Douglas Houghton)

I am at present in close touch with voluntary bodies dealing with special problems of this kind. I am anxious to establish the fullest co-operation between voluntary action and State provision and have convened several conferences with this end in view. The particular social problem of loneliness comes, with many others, within this review.

Mrs. McKay

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Will he undertake to study the very excellent report of he Women's Group on Public Welfare on this tragic problem with a view to implementing its recommendations?

Mr. Houghton

I will certainly do that.

Mr. Braine

The right hon. Gentleman, of course, will be aware that this touches on a very great human problem. Has he considered inviting not only voluntary organisations but the old people's welfare committees, who deal with this at the grass roots, to submit ideas on the subject?

Mr. Houghton

I am in close touch with the National Assistance Board, who in many cases first come into touch with problems of loneliness among old people, and they in turn are in touch with old people's welfare committees. This is a big problem. I am entering a vast field of noble and humanitarian work. I require some time to acquaint myself with it so as to see the possibilities of voluntary action in many fields connected with social problems.

Mr. Frank Allaun

Would the Minister consider giving wider publicity to the pioneering work which is done in at least one city—Salford—where the whole community from youth onwards is involved in caring for the elderly and overcoming the loneliness which affects them?

Mr. Houghton

I am aware of the great work which has been done in Salford, and I am happy to think that they are able to tell the world a great deal of what they are doing.

Dame Irene Ward

I appreciate the efforts which have been made by the right hon. Gentleman to collect information. Could he kindly circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of those bodies with whom he has been in touch in order that they may be encouraged to put forward all the ideas which they have collected through experience of this problem?

Mr. Houghton

It would be premature to do that—

Dame Irene Ward

Why?

Mr. Houghton

—because I am in the middle of the job and I have a number of other organisations which I wish to consult. In due time, I shall be very happy to make a report to the House on what I have been doing.