Michael Fabricant is co-sponsor of a Bill, with support from all main Parties, to establish an Age Equality Commission. Like the Commissions on sex and race, it would advise the Government on discrimination occurring against older people. The Age Equality Commission received its first reading in the House of Commons today.

"We still see discrimination against people over the age of 45 applying for jobs even though they often have more experience and practical wisdom than their juniors", says Michael Fabricant. "And I am growing increasingly concerned that at the time of cut-backs in the NHS, there is growing evidence of medical treatment being withheld from older patients.

"This is neither right nor proper. Lichfield and Burntwood have a higher proportion of older residents than elsewhere in the country and age should not be a bar to employment or to receiving services from the State. With regard to the latter, it could be argued that many older people have been paying taxes for longer so deserve anything the State has to offer including access to first class medical treatment. This Commission would advise the Government and monitor the level of age discrimination in our country."

Although the Bill has cross-party support and was presented by a Labour MP, it does not have the support of the Government and will not receive Government time so is unlikely to become law in the short term.