§ Q4. Mr. Whitakerasked the Prime Minister whether he will co-ordinate action by Ministers to launch an antipoverty programme in Great Britain.
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friends already work closely together in this matter. Under the social services programme substantial improvements have been made in the level and extent of aid to relieve poverty and the Government's urban programme has made supplementary provision for areas of special social need.
§ Mr. WhitakerBut in view of the fact that the disparities between the rich and the poor in this country have not closed over the last 18 years, would the Government not launch an intensive attack on poverty? Is it not a reflection on us that, in this respect, America has been a good deal more radical than we have?
§ The Prime MinisterI am well aware of the interesting Fabian research pamphlet produced by my hon. Friend on this question. I do not think that anyone would accept the conclusion which he has just made. He will be well aware of the continuing action taken, for example, on retirement benefits, on earnings-related supplements, on widows' pensions, on supplementary benefits, on family allowance increases to deal with the special problem of poverty for large families, and, of course, on various other forms of assistance, such as rate rebates.