§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to encourage voluntary workers to assist old people living at home in need of help.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe Government are already doing this. The White Paper "Growing Older"—Cmnd. 8173—recognised the significant contribution that informal and voluntary sources of care make in meeting the needs of elderly people. The Government's handbook "Care in Action" devoted a chapter to the voluntary sector, and in particular drew attention to the importance of volunteers in caring for elderly people in their own homes. It also stressed the importance of support and encouragement of voluntary effort by local statutory authorities, who have powers to make grants to assist local voluntary organisations. The Department makes substantial grants to a number of national voluntary organisations concerned with the welfare of elderly people.