§ 14. Mr. Frank Roy (Motherwell and Wishaw)What arrangements he is making for paying the winter fuel allowance for 1999–2000. [79741]
§ The Parliamentary Under"Secretary of State for Social Security (Angela Eagle)Next winter, we plan to make all payments before Christmas. That will ensure that, when the winter starts, the money is in pensioners' hands and available when they need it.
§ Mr. RoyI thank the Minister for her reply, which will be welcomed by pensioners during the long, cold winter, particularly in Scotland, where winter lasts longer and is 564 colder. Does she agree that the fivefold increase in the winter fuel allowance is evidence that, step by step, the Government are delivering for Scottish pensioners and those throughout the United Kingdom?
§ Angela EagleI thank my hon. Friend for that question. He is right to point out that the fivefold increase in the winter fuel payment is an extension of the universal benefit principle to all pensioners. By the end of this Parliament, that will result in almost £3 billion being spent to ensure that no pensioner has to worry about turning up the heating during spells of cold weather. That increase will make a genuine contribution to the quality of life of all Britain's pensioners.