HC Deb 11 July 1978 vol 953 cc1239-41
11. Mr. Arthur Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what timetable has been suggested to voluntary organisations and others for their response to the consultative document on the elderly.

Mr. Orme

We have asked for comments by the end of October 1978. This is so that we can press on with preparation of a White Paper, which we plan to publish next year. But we are prepared to be flexible if any organisation has particular difficulty in meeting this deadline.

Mr. Latham

I congratulate my right hon. Friend on the issue of the consultative document, but does he agree that in any consultation about the problems of the elderly the most important people to consult are the elderly themselves? Is it not a bit daft that the document should cost 95p a time, and could my right hon. Friend make arrangements for those of the 8 million pensioners who want to know what may be proposed for them to obtain copies without charge? Further, does my right hon. Friend accept that, although within 20 years poverty in old age may be abolished, there is need to divert resources with urgent priority to the present generaton of pensioners who will never benefit from those long-term proposals?

Mr. Orme

On the second point, my hon. Friend will be aware of the measures which the Government have taken even this year to improve the lot of the pensioner and of what has been done over the past few years, for which, I think, the Government can take great credit. As for distribution, the Government have taken steps to see that these documents are available free of charge in centres which old people attend. We distributed many to leading organisations representing retired people, and we hope that that will meet the need.

Mr. Bowden

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that the use of the phrase "tomorrow's pensioners" in the consultative document is very misleading, because that is 20 years ahead? It is today's pensioners who matter. Is it not a fact that this coming winter millions of today's pensioners will have to choose between keeping warm and having sufficient to eat?

Mr. Orme

When we put the uprating order through the House only recently, that meant that in the past four years this Government have increased pensions in real terms by over 21 per cent.—the largest increase for pensioners in modern times—along with heating allowances and other provisions. Of course more needs to be done, but we need more public expenditure for it. Perhaps the hon. Member will pay some attention to that.