§ Mr. Mahonasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that there are approximately 6,500 persons over the age of 65 years in the County Borough of Bootle; that, of these, 5,000 have been accounted for by the local authority welfare services and that approximately 1,600 of them live on their own; and what comparable national figures he has from the latest census of aged persons living on their own.
§ Mr. BarberAt the time of the 1961 Census there were 5,927 persons over 65 years of age in Bootle. 168 men over 65 and 978 women over 60 were living alone.
156WIn England and Wales there were 5,496,497 persons over 65. 192,129 men over 65, and 1,027,867 women over 60, were living alone.
I understand that the Bootle Welfare Department have a record of approximately 5,000 persons over 65.
§ Mr. Mahonasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the system, known as the Haze Alarm, operating in the homes of elderly persons living on their own in Bootle, which obviates elderly persons being left on their own without assistance in times of illness or distress; if he will consult the Postmaster-General with a view to providing some telephonic system for elderly sick persons; and if he will take steps to enable local authorities to make financial provision for this system.
§ Mr. BarberThe hon. Member has been good enough to send me a description. These alarm systems are, however, still experimental.