asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in how many local authority areas there are regular joint meetings of the local authorities, voluntary associations and National Health Service committees for the purpose of promoting the welfare of the aged.

My right hon. Friend has told both the local authorities and the main voluntary organisations that he attaches the greatest value to co-operation in local arrangements for the welfare of old people. I have no knowledge of the extent to which regular meetings are held for this purpose.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that the former Secretary of State told local authorities and voluntary associations that almost 10 years ago: that it is quite clear from the available evidence that adequate co-operation does not exist and that until we have such co-operation it will not be possible to meet the needs of elderly people efficiently, properly and with the degree of urgency that is necessary?

The Scottish Old People's Welfare Committee has recently told my officers that local authorities are now co-operating with the voluntary interests more closely than ever before. I think, therefore, that we can say that progress is being made.

Far too slowly.