4.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is now able to give a date for the publication of the White Paper on the elderly.
Work is proceeding, but it is too soon for me to give a publication date.
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, because of the serious shortage of local authority provision, many elderly people are living at risk in hostels and lodging houses throughout the country? Does he accept that existing legislations is confusing and weak? Does he agree that the need for the publication of the White Paper is urgent? Does he further agree that the need for implementation of any recommendations that emerge from a debate on the White Paper is even more urgent?
Yes, indeed. The issue that the hon. Gentleman has raised is the subject of an Adjournment debate next week. It is the responsibility of the Home Office. However, I shall draw my right hon. Friend's attention to what the hon. Gentleman has said about the need to implement measures as quickly as possible.
Will my hon. Friend confirm that the White Paper will include a section dealing with the problems of the elderly who live in residential homes? Is he aware that 85 per cent. of them are over 75 years of age? They are a vulnerable section of the community and real action is needed quickly.
I confirm that there will be a chapter on housing in the White Paper. I hope that we shall be able to come forward with some positive suggestions to meet the problems that my hon. Friend has described.
Is the Minister aware that there are over 60,000 old people living in private old people's homes? Those who live in hostels and boarding houses are, perhaps, in greater danger. They are vulnerable. The legislation is extremely weak. May we have an assurance that the Minister will act quickly on any recommendations to tighten legislation governing old people's homes, to protect vulnerable, old people?
The implementation of fire regulations is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department and not that of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services. However, I shall draw to my right hon. Friend's attention the remarks of the hon. Gentleman.