§ 21. Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will commission an investigation into the problems arising within his sphere of responsibility of those who move to the seaside areas for the purpose of retirement.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyThe National Corporation for the Care of Old People has commissioned a study of the migration of elderly people to certain retirement areas. I think it wise to wait for the report on this, which is expected later this year, before considering the need for any further inquiry.
§ Mr. BlakerIs the Minister aware that most of the people concerned live on very modest fixed incomes which are being rapidly eroded by rising prices, which, in turn, casts an extra burden on the local health and welfare services?
§ Dr. DunwoodyI accept that there are special problems in some retirement areas because of the concentration and abnormal proportion of old people in the community. We take this matter seriously into account when allocating resources and producing our lists of authorisations for health and welfare expenditure throughout the country.