§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek to establish the position of guardian ad litem for elderly people, on the model of such a role in respect of children, to operate a legal framework of rights for elderly people in their dealings with social service departments or other authorities.
§ Mr. John PattenThe overwhelming majority of elderly people are quite capable of managing their own affairs. For those unable to do so because of mental illness or handicap, there already exists a range of provisions to safeguard their interests, including guardianship provisions of the Mental Health Act 1983.