§ THE EARL OF HARROWBY asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether they are satisfied that the coal grants by the Department of Health and Social Security to pensioners are adequate to cover the basic amenities, as opposed to the bare 813 necessities, in view of the fact that some charitable organisations are finding it desirable to supplement them.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD KENNET)In the assessment of supplementary pensions, the Supplementary Benefits Commission need to make extra provision for heating only in special cases, because the supplementary benefits scale rates themselves are sufficient to cover ordinary living expenses, including the basic amenities of heating. Supplementary pensioners also have the advantage of the long-term addition of 10s. a week, which is intended to meet extra needs arising from old age. Charitable organisations of course can and do make grants for extra comforts for individual pensioners, but in the Government's view this does not mean that provision for basic amenities within the supplementary pension scheme is inadequate.