§ 57. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will take steps to increase social security benefits, particularly for retirement pensioners, following the installation of oilfired central heating in their homes by local authorities and the subsequent increases in oil prices from 11.42p per gallon in 1972 to 21.60p a gallon in March 1974 with a further likely increase in July.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownAll social security benefits are being increased with effect from 22nd July 1974. For people who are entitled to supplementary benefits, the commission may make special provision if their central heating costs more than the amount which they would normally be expected to spend on heating.