HC Deb 14 December 1982 vol 34 cc109-10W
Mr. Iain Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has received representations about drop-in centres for pensioners; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Newton

Drop-in centres and day clubs contribute significantly to the range of social facilities for elderly people. They are usually run by voluntary bodies and informal helpers and often by elderly people themselves. I was particularly interested to hear about the imaginative centre in my hon. Friend's own constituency, which is run by the pupils of Park Hall comprehensive school under the guidance of volunteers from Age Concern, Castle Bromwich. I am pleased to say that this project was highly commended in the Government's award scheme to mark the 1982 world assembly on ageing.