HC Deb 11 May 1982 vol 23 cc582-3
2. Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what sum from social security funds was spent on help with fuel bills in the financial years 1978–79 and 1980–81.

The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Mr. Tony Newton)

The sums spent were about £90 million and £161 million respectively. In addition, in 1978–79 there was expenditure by the Department of Energy of £34 million on the electricity discount scheme.

Mr. Carlisle

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that the latest figures for 1981–82 show that the help that we give with fuel bills is 25 per cent. greater in real terms than that provided in the last year of the Labour Government? In a world recession, in which funds are inevitably short, does that not prove that we accept and understand the need to give help to those in that group?

Mr. Newton

I confirm what my hon. Friend said. Assistance under those headings rose to about £250 million last year, and in the present year it is likely to rise to about £300 million, which will be a further real increase. In addition, by comparison with the electricity discount scheme, we are giving far more effective help to those who need it.

Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

Will the Minister confirm that the savage increases in gas and electricity prices brought about by the Government mean that, even with extra help, most of those on supplementary benefit have to spend a higher proportion of their income on fuel bills than they had to spend before the Government's measures?

Mr. Newton

As I said last week in the debate on fuel-direct, given the background of the world increase in energy prices, we cannot totally protect any section of the population. The record that I outlined in my initial answer shows our clear determination to protect as much as possible the least well off in our community.

Mr. Watson

Will my hon. Friend consider spending the £161 million per year on energy conservation instead of continuing subsidy for energy use?

Mr. Newton

If I had elaborated my initial answer, I would have included the various steps that we have taken to help families, particularly poor families, to improve home insulation. Therefore, we are also doing as my hon. Friend asks.

Mr. Rooker

How much of that money is due to the 300 per cent. increase in the standing charge for gas since the Conservative Party came to office?

Mr. Newton

I cannot give the precise figure, but the substantial increases reflect our concern about the general rise in energy charges.