The commissioner role is aimed to protect older people

The proposals will follow on from the creation of the post of Children's Commissioner for Wales three years ago.

Mr Hain said the planned Commissioner was likely to be the first of its kind in the world.

A draft bill will be introduced in the current session of parliament. The Welsh Assembly Government has welcomed the proposal.

Mr Hain told the Welsh Grand Committee in the House of Commons on Tuesday: ""The Commissioner for Older People will champion their rights and dignity, protect them from discrimination and prejudice and provide an input to influence future Government policies for older people.

A civilised country is judged by the way it treats its older folk Peter Hain

"This will be the first such Commissioner for Older People in Britain and, as far as we are aware, in the world."

It is planned that older people will be defined as those aged 65 or more, but the commissioner will be able to assist people aged 50 or more in certain circumstances.

Mr Hain added: "Wales has more than half a million older people, proportionately more than the rest of the UK, and over the next 20 years the number of people who are over 60 is expected to rise by 11%.

"A civilised country is judged by the way it treats its older folk.

"Although many elderly people get the maximum enjoyment out of life, whether in their own homes or in nursing homes, there are isolated incidents where they have not received the care to which they are entitled.

Welsh Secretary Peter Hain announced the new role

"The Commissioner for Older People will be able to inquire into the circumstances and take the appropriate action. "

Welsh Health Minister, Jane Hutt, said: "Our pledge to establish a Commissioner for Older People in Wales was one of the key commitments in our Labour Manifesto for the 2003 Assembly Elections.

Peter Clarke is Wales' Children's Commissioner

"Wide-ranging consultation has strongly supported the case for a commissioner and I am very pleased that the UK Government has decided that work can be commenced on this important legislation. "

The role of Welsh children's commissioner, currently held by Peter Clarke, was created in 2000.

The office responds to complaints from children and provides a platform for their concerns and those of their parents.

Two Acts of Parliament control the commissioner but he is independent from government.

He also has statutory powers to gain information from authorities about children.

Plaid Cymru's parliamentary leader Elfyn Llwyd MP welcomed the announcement but warned the UK government that lessons must be learnt from the establishment of the Children's Commissioner for Wales.