IT is probably without precedent that a majority of members of a Royal Commission should revisit the issue on which they reported originally, and in doing so strongly oppose government policy.

This is exactly what nine out of 12 Royal Commissioners who reported originally on the long-term care of the elderly and infirm have done.

Their findings are damning as far as the New Labour government is concerned, mainly because of the refusal of the Government to make personal care free at the point of use in both domestic and residential settings.

Freed from the constraints of Westminster, the Scottish Parliament has acted in accordance with the Commission's original recommendations for elderly people in Scotland.

The Commissioners' latest report also correctly draws attention to the limitations of the private sector in this area, which, it says, can "only cherry pick its clients" and "cannot offer generalised solutions," thus effectively destroying the major elements in government policy for older people.

Tony Blair told his party conference that he has no reverse gear. What a tragedy this is for the elderly of England and Wales, who continue to face charges and impoverishment.

ROGER BANNISTER, UNISON National Executive Council (personal capacity), Admin Road, Kirkby, Merseyside.