§ 4. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many people received National Assistance grants for extra fuel in the last 12 months; what was their average weekly amount; and whether a further grant is made for those who must use smokeless fuel.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterInformation is not available precisely in the form requested, but it is estimated that 402,000 of the weekly National Assistance allowances current at the end of 1961 contained discretionary additions to provide for extra fuel requirements, the average amount being about 4s. 6d. a week, and the additions amounting in total to between £2¾ million and £3 million a year. I am advised that the use of smokeless fuel is not necessarily more expensive, but exceptional cases are considered on their merits.
§ Mr. AllaunSince in this very long and cold winter many pensioners have had to go without a fire for long periods and were yet unaware that they could obtain extra fuel allowances, will the Minister take some suitable step to notify them? Secondly, is he aware that 4s. 6d., the figure he gave, is nothing like the price of half a bag of smokeless fuel which in most parts of the country costs 12s. or more; yet the pensioners are forced to have it if they live in a smokeless zone? Could the right hon. 6 Gentleman therefore ask the Assistance Board to increase the allowance in these cases?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI think that any doubt as to the Assistance Board's alertness to the position is surely met by the fact that the number of these allowances paid this winter—402,000, the figure I gave—is a very big rise on the number in the previous winter—350,000. As to the adequacy of the amount, this is an average figure which, of course, takes into account the individual needs of the person concerned.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that pensioners are suffering hardship today as the result of the inevitable increase in their fuel bills resulting from their being put in smoke-controlled zones? Is it clear that pensioners entitled to a supplement can draw the increased amount of their fuel bills in an increased Assistance allowance? If there is any doubt about that, will the Minister give a direction to the Board to that effect?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe position is quite clear. My Answer related to recipients of National Assistance, not to pensioners generally, but it is possible, as the very large figures I have given to the House indicate, for persons in receipt of weekly Assistance supplements to apply, and, where the circumstances are suitable, to obtain extra allowances in respect of fuel.