§ 49. Mr. Winnickasked the Minister of Health what action is being taken to deal with the special problem of hypothermia during the winter for very elderly pensioners; and whether he will introduce legislation to provide all-night storage heaters to those in need.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Charles Loughlin)My right hon. Friend proposes shortly to remind health and welfare authorities of this danger, to which their attention was drawn two years ago. He does not think that legislation is necessary to enable local authorities to take the appropriate action where required.
§ Mr. WinnickDoes the Minister not consider this to be a very urgent problem indeed? Have not a very large number of very elderly people died during the winter months because of the intense cold? If a circular is to be sent to local authorities can it be done as soon as possible?
§ Mr. LoughlinI assure my hon. Friend that the circular will be reissued as soon as possible and that we are concerned about the possibility of deaths among old people as a result of hypothermia. We will get the circular off as quickly as possible.