3 JANUARY 1964, Page 13

BELOW THE BREAD LINE

SIR,—In last week's issue your correspondent S.M. writes: 'Thousands of elderly people will die this winter because of inadequate heating and insufficient nourishment. . . . Is there no one in any political Party with any conscience on the subject?'

In this connection it is relevant to point out that at its meeting on December 14, the Liberal Party Council passed the following resolution: 'This Council, aware that large numbers of old people in Britain are suffering from protein, vitamin, and possible calcium deficiencies, and many cannot afford enough fuel for health and comfort, during severe weather, asks H.M. Government, as an emer- gency measure, for the remainder of the winter months, (a) to arrange to deliver one pint of free milk daily to all old-age pensioners, possibly using the existing welfare token scheme, (b) to increase the old-age pension immediately by the equivalent of one cwt. of coal (12s.) weekly, (c) and as early as possible, to co-ordinate and initiate detailed research into the needs of old people for food, warmth, housing and amenities.'

These are emergency measures which we are press- ing the Government to take. Our long-term policy is designed to raise the old-age pension over a period of seven years to 50 per cent of average national earnings for a married couple with an appropriate increase for a single person. At the present level of earnings this would mean a pension for a married couple of about £8 per week and for a 'single person £5 per week.

DESMOND RANKS Chairman, Liberal Party Social Security Committee 8 Retreat Close, Kenton, Harrow, Middlesex.