§ 13. Mr. Lembit Öpik (Montgomeryshire)What discussions he has had with the Assembly Secretary for Health and Social Services on the provision of care for the elderly. [88535]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Jon Owen Jones)I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on asking that question during Alzheimer's week. Before the transfer of functions, I had a number of meetings with Jane Hutt, the Assembly Secretary for Health and Social Services. During those meetings, we discussed a wide range of issues that are in her portfolio.
§ Mr. ÖpikDoes the Minister accept that funding on care for the elderly is still far too low in Wales? Indeed, the availability of provision for the elderly in Wales has fallen below that in England. Will he carry on making representations to try to equalise investment in elderly care provision in England and in Wales?
Mr. JonesI am sure that the Assembly will be very sympathetic to the points that the hon. Gentleman has raised, but it is for the Assembly to decide on the allocation of resources.