§ Mr. David Winnick (Walsall, North)I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter which should have urgent consideration, namely,
the need for the Government to provide adequate assistance for those on limited incomes, especially the elderly, to help pay for fuel bills during the present cold weather".The matter is specific in that the application deals with the special problems faced by those on the most limited incomes, especially the elderly, in trying to keep their accommodation adequately heated and being able to meet the cost of doing so. No one can doubt the importance of this in view of the cold weather and the position of people with inadequate incomes in trying to pay for their heating. Medical warnings are frequently given about the danger to the health of the elderly due to inadequate heating of their homes. In the present climate, hypothermia remains a constant danger to so many pensioners who are struggling to make ends meet.An additional reason for my application is that so far this year no authorisation has been given for the single payment for extra heating help for those receiving supplementary benefit. Such a payment was made last year and, although in my view it was inadequate and gave no help to anyone not receiving supplementary benefit, it was at least some limited assistance to the poorest people in the country. There are, however, 750,000 pensioners who receive rent and rate rebates but do not receive supplementary benefit. They receive no assistance at all with their heating costs.
We all know how substantially gas and electricity prices have risen in recent times. Last night, Conservative Members expressed concern about British people. I maintain that the way to show our concern is to ensure that the elderly in our community have sufficient financial assistance to meet their heating costs.
In conclusion, it is a scandal that so many—
§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Bernard Weatherill)Order. The hon. Gentleman must come to the point and explain why the matter is urgent.
§ Mr. WinnickIt is urgent because it is a scandal that so many elderly people in our community and those without adequate incomes have to suffer the present cold climate without being able adequately to heat their homes. Many of them wrap themselves in blankets or go out of the house during the day. For those reasons, I believe that a debate is necessary and justified.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerThe hon. Member asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he thinks should have urgent consideration, namely,
the need for the Government to provide adequate assistance for those on limited incomes, especially the elderly, to help pay for fuel bills during the present cold weather.As the House knows, under Standing Order No. 9, I am directed to take into account the several factors set out in the order but to give no reasons for my decision. I have listened carefully to what the hon. Member has said. I have to rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order. I therefore cannot submit his application to the House.