LORD Best spoke of how the foundation's assets had increased sharply since the acquisition of Rowntree Mackintosh by Nestlé in 1988, following Joseph Rowntree's decision in 1904 to give it a substantial shareholding in the company.

"It has been my job since 1988 to try to use these resources wisely," he said.

He stressed that Rowntree had not wanted the foundation to spend money on a York soup kitchen or even on famine relief in Africa.

"He wanted us to find out why these problems occur year after year, to get to the heart of the matter and try to get Government policies and practices changed to achieve lasting solutions.

"So over the years, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has funded a stream of reports on aspects of poverty, homelessness, misuse of drugs, immigration and much else.

"We have tried to get support from politicians of all parties for reforms that are likely to have a long term impact on these social issues.

" Sometimes we have moved the agenda on; sometimes we have failed to make an impression. There is still much to do."