§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Prime Minister what consideration he has given to the appointment of a senior Minister as(a) a Minister with special responsibility for young people and (b) a Minister with special responsibility for older people; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI refer the hon. Member to my reply to his similar question on 14 November 1991 at column639 about designating a Minister with responsibility for young people. Similarly, issues facing older people are not specific to that age group. Appointing a Minister with special responsibility to look after such groups would diffuse responsibilities for particular aspects of policy which presently fall clearly on each departmental Minister.