HC Deb 27 May 1968 vol 765 cc1228-9
52. Mr. Kenneth Baker

asked the Minister of Health when the study on the social welfare of the elderly, which was submitted to the Government Social Survey on 14th December, 1965, is going to be completed and published.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Kenneth Robinson)

A report summarising results in 11 areas in England, Wales and Scotland is now in draft. The final version will be published as soon as possible.

Mr. Baker

Is not the Minister ashamed that the report on the social welfare of the elderly has taken nearly three years to get out, during which time many of the people being surveyed must have died? Will not he give the Government Social Survey a shot in the arm and get its work done quickly?

Mr. Robinson

Any questions about the workings of the Government Social Survey should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but I have no reason to believe that the Survey has been anything but expeditious in this matter, which it has carried out thoroughly.