§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, when he decided to abandon the good neighbour scheme; what factors he took account of in making this decision; and whether he has provided a replacement service.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe decision to withdraw financial support for the good neighbour campaign was taken in 1979 because the campaign was not looked on as a permanent arrangement. The Government focus public attention on the needs of elderly people through the work of two agencies: Age Concern Scotland and the Scottish mental health education group. Both organisations run regular campaigns on continuing support for elderly people in the community. Age concern Scotland organises old people's week, usually held early in October; and the Scottish health education group runs regular major campaigns alerting elderly people to the dangers of hypothermia.