HC Deb 14 January 1980 vol 976 cc661-2W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek to provide assistance through the Supplementary Benefits Commission or in some other way to handicapped people, in particular those provided with telephones under section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, or by the family fund, who are unable to pay the delayed telephone bills now being sent out by the Post Office; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Prentice

No. Neither the Supplementary Benefits Commission nor local authorities provide assistance with the cost of telephone calls although both may, in some cases, help with installation and/or rental charges.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what discussions he has had with the chairman of the Post Office on the problems now being faced by handicapped people, in particular by those provided with telephones under section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, or by the family fund, who are unable to pay the delayed telephone bills now being sent out; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Prentice

I have had no such discussion.