asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the cost to public funds of the survey carried out by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys into which types of households are in the greatest need of help from her department.

£60,000.

Is the Minister aware of the widespread feeling that this type of information ought to be readily available from the 1971 census and other sources and that if this information is not already available, there is something wrong with our system? Is he not further aware of particular cases, such as that concerning one of my constituents, a former civil servant, who has already made submissions to the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys pointing out that this is merely management by excuse and that the whole exercise involving a questionnaire and a follow-up letter is a waste of public money? How does he propose to check this kind of expenditure in future?

I disagree with the hon. Gentleman. The problem of the elderly is the biggest social problem that this country faces. There is not enough information about those most in need and those to whom we should be applying public money. The course that the hon. Gentleman is advocating will be best served by having a greater and more effective information base.

Will the survey identify families with disabled people?

Its main aim is to try to identify the type of help needed. Therefore, it will take account of some elements of disability. However, I shall send the hon. Gentleman some of the more detailed information.