§ Q4. Mr. Archerasked the Prime Minister whether he will co-ordinate the work of the Minister of Health, Labour and Social Security to make preparation for people's retirement during the 10 years prior to their reaching retirement age.
§ The Prime MinisterPreparation for retirement is essentially a matter for the individual. Sir, but in so far as they have responsibilities in this field, the Departments concerned already work closely together. Nevertheless, I think the House generally will recognise that there are a number of aspects of social, health and welfare matters where the division of responsibility between Departments can complicate the furtherance of desirable policies. It is for this reason that, as the House knows, I have decided to amalgamate the Ministries of Health and Social Security and have asked my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council to supervise the planning and timetable for the amalgamation.
§ Mr. ArcherWould my right hon. Friend go a little further and agree that 1583 in principle the economic, social, occupational and medical problems of age are best tackled before they materialise and while there is still a prospect of remedying them?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, this is certainly true and important. The Question asks about the co-ordination of the work of these Ministries. Two of them are, as I have said, to be amalgamated and there are already existing adequate arrangements for consultation between what will now be the amalgamated Department and the Office of my right hon. Friend the First Secretary.
§ Dr. WinstanleyIs the Prime Minister aware that the unanimous opinion of his medical advisers on the subject of retirement is that this should be a gradual reduction in activity over a period of years and that only in the most exceptional cases should it be a sudden sharp cessation of work?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is obviously highly relevant. The amalgamated Department will be able to take the views, not only of its own medical advisers, but of many people who work in this field, locally as well as centrally.
§ Mr. William HamiltonWhat consultations, if any, took place between the Ministries of Social Security and of Health prior to last week's announcement of the co-ordination of these Departments?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is not usual to indicate to the House internal consultations on these matters, but I thought it right to take this opportunity of informing the House of the merger and the reasons for it.
§ Mr. OnslowIs the Prime Minister aware that a number of his Cabinet colleagues have well co-ordinated their plans for his retirement at an early date?