asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will initiate consultations with local authorities for the purpose of creating a unified and comprehensive welfare service for the care of old people.

I am anxious that the services provided for old people by local authorities, Government Departments and voluntary bodies should be as comprehensive as possible, that there should be full co-operation and co-ordination between the different services and that information about them should be readily available to old people. My Department is in regular touch with local authorities about the best means of achieving these objects.

Is the Secretary of State aware that the proposal in this Question is not for a new service, in addition to the existing services, but seeks a coordination, as my right hon. Friend suggests, of the existing services so to avoid overlapping and duplication?

I am aware of my hon. Friend's concern, which I share. We certainly do not want the services which are available not to be used simply because the old people do not know about them. There should be people employed in local authorities making it their job to co-ordinate this work and ensuring that information about what is available is made known as widely as possible.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a revolutionary discovery has been made in Motherwell and, I believe, in London, to the effect that many of these old people, if given a square meal, cease to be bedridden and begin to lead normal lives? Is he aware that at Lamb's House, Edinburgh, mid-day meals have been successfully provided and have given old people a purpose for going out during the day? In other words, is my right hon. Friend aware that a square meal has the effect of contributing to the mobility and well-being of these people?

There can be no doubt about that. However, there is also the question of old people who are not mobile. I am sure that for them the Meals on Wheels services provided by local authorities and voluntary workers are equally valuable. What we want to do is to ensure that information about the services which are available for the elderly is made known to them.