§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of(a) the likely long-term effects of an aging population on the economy and (b) the steps which the Treasury will need to take in response. [22063]
§ Mr. Darling[holding answer 22 December 1997]: The Government keep policy issues likely to arise from changing demographic patterns across the whole range of Government policy under constant review.
The Comprehensive Spending Review provides a structured framework in which all Government departments, together with the Treasury, can consider what policy action might be needed to respond to projected demographic changes over the long term.
In particular, the Government have made clear that they will address the effects of demographic change and aging in the context of its Pensions Review, launched by the Secretary of State for Social Security on July 17. The Royal Commission on Long-term Care will also have regard to demographic change in its work, as it examines and then makes recommendations on short and long-term options for a sustainable system of funding of long-term care for elderly people in the United Kingdom.