MINISTER FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Early day motion 1811, tabled 27 October 2003 by Parmjit Dhanda (Labour). Signed by 61 members.

That this House congratulates the Government on introducing the minimum income guarantee for pensioners, above-inflation increases in the basic state pension, and the ú200 winter fuel payment which benefits 11 million people over 60 each year; further welcomes other measures such as the introduction of free TV licences for over 75s, the reintroduction of free eye tests for pensioners, and the extension of the NHS breast screening programme to women aged 65-70 and, on request, for those over 70 years by 2004; believes that this range of measures demonstrates that policy concerning pensioners is cross-departmental; welcomes the creation of the Minister for Children to co-ordinate policy on issues affecting children; and calls on the Government to create a Minister for Older People to co-ordinate policy and ensure that it meets the needs of elderly people.

Signatures by party: Labour 53, Labour/Co-operative 5, Liberal Democrat 2, Conservative 1.