have come tn13 to understand that he tn13 cannot jpg be intimidated."In another htm blow to the Government, Sir Richard pages bakesale tn13 jpg htm said the images bakesale jpg press pack it produced to head-off htm criticism when the report was published bakesale was distorted. Photos Faced bakesale with Photos 10 a 06 htm series of answers to Dr bakesale Tony Wright, the 1 Labour MP, he presented a completely 1 contradictory 10 view pages of his findings from images Photos bakesale 10 1 06 that of the official bakesale media briefing. 10 "Those concerned pages bakesale tn13 jpg htm knew to what I was referring," said jpg Sir tn13 Richard. "I am 06 not prepared bakesale to pages go Photos into it in public."In his letter to Mr 1 Lang, 06 the pages judge paid tribute images to Mr Muttukumaru, describing him images images Photos bakesale 10 1 06 as "a tower of strength".
His assistant had acted as the inquiry's front-man with Whitehall: "In doing so he has often had to deal with officials of a rank senior to his own, as well as with ministers, former ministers and senior Opposition spokesmen Those who have dealt with him. Sir Richard told the Commons Public Service Select Committee of the hostility his inquiry faced as it completed its marathon three year probe into the darker recesses of Whitehall. News of the attempted intimidation will fuel Opposition claims Sir Richard was leaned on to produce a report less damaging to the Government. In his only appearance before MPs to answer questions on his report published two months ago, Sir Richard also gave a damning critique of ministers' response to his report.He refused to reveal who had made the threat to Mr Muttukumaru, but said it was "a senior person". Sir Richard complained and he said "It was satisfactorily dealt with - my concerns were laid to rest".He said the threat was that "Christopher Muttukumaru's career might suffer from the assistance he was giving me".The warning was mentioned obliquely in a letter he sent to Ian Lang, the President of the Board of Trade, accompanying publication of his report. Sir Richard Scott yesterday startled MPs by claiming his assistant, Christopher Muttukumaru, was threatened that his career as a civil servant might suffer if he continued to help the judge's arms to Iraq inquiry. We are ill-prepared for the coming population explosaion among elderly people."Charities representing pensioners expressed reservations. A spokeswoman for Help The Aged said: "We welcome initiatives to set up 'granny creches' but they must be active places providing a stimulating environment, not just dumping grounds for elderly relatives.".
That figure is expected to rise to almost 17 million within the next 35 years.Terry Philpot editor of Community Care magazine said: "Any initiative which provides high standards of care for elderly people and takes the pressure off carers should be welcomed. If it is made permanent, fees of about pounds 2 an hour will be charged.Lynch Mason, the occupational therapy services manager, said there would be no lower age limit for the service. It will be open for "anyone who feels comfortable and wants to go".Activities will be tailored to individuals: "We'll cater for people's interests whether that is art, sculpture, adult literacy or doing the crossword."Cookery groups are extremely popular and the elderly person could take a meal home in the evening so they feel they are contributing something to the family," added Miss Mason.At the moment there are almost 11 million people of pensionable age in Britain. "Besides the advantage of proximity [to each other] they will be in a hospital with nursing care and no worries about special feeds or dressings," he said.The pilot scheme, emphasising "dignity and quality of life", is free and will run from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, but it is hoped it will be extended to 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. Any change to these would require unanimity.Britain's announcement increases pressure on Japan and Norway to withdraw from the commission. But if they did they would face international opprobrium, and the risk of trade sanctions from the US.. Britain's first ever "granny creche", where people can leave elderly relatives, is due to open in Oxford this summer.