§ 1. Mr. Tom Coxasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of the London Electricity Board; and what subjects were discussed.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Alastair Goodlad)My right hon. Friend last met the chairman at a luncheon on 19 November. One of the main subjects discussed was the efficient use of energy.
§ Mr. CoxI note that reply, but is the Minister aware that at this time of the year hundreds of thousands of elderly people spend much of their time in bed because of their fear of the kind of electricity bills that they would have if they kept their heating on? When will his Department and the respective electricity boards devise a scheme that brings meaningful help to pensioners and those people on low incomes with their electricity bills, certainly during the winter months?
§ Mr. GoodladAs the hon. Gentleman will know, the Government target financial help for fuel costs on those in need through the weekly supplementary benefit rates, including some £400 million in 1984–85 in heating additions for those who need to spend extra on fuel. That is about £140 million more in real terms than in 1978–79. Under the Government's proposals for the reform of social security published on 3 June, separate heating additions will be abolished and an income support scheme introduced, which will continue to provide help towards day-to-day living expenses, including heating. There will be premium rates for special categories of the needy, including pensioners, the sick and disabled and lone parents.