§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will give instructions to his Department to sanction the supply of extra food to sufferers of hypothermia, the cost to be borne by his Department;
(2) if he will give instructions to his Department to sanction the supply of coal and heating supplies to sufferers 272W from hypothermia, the cost to be borne by his Department;
(3) if he will give instructions to his Department to sanction the supply of additional clothing to sufferers of hypothermia, the cost to be borne by his Department.
§ Mr. DeanThe Supplementary Benefits Commission already uses its discretionary powers to increase the weekly rate of supplementary benefit when a person needs help with the cost of additional clothing, or extra heating, or requires extra nourishment on medical advice. Its standing instructions provide for help to be given in appropriate cases.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what methods are used in the detection of hypothermia.
§ Mr. AlisonThe taking of anal temperature by means of a low-reading thermometer is the most reliable means of diagnosing hypothermia. This is an important part of the work of local authority domiciliary nursing staffs. Further information about pre-disposing conditions is contained in an article in the February, 1970, issue ofHealth Trends published by my Department.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what instructions are given to local offices of his Department to assist people suffering from hypothermia.
§ Mr. DeanStanding instructions issued by the Supplementary Benefits Commission specially require local officers to consider help with the expense of extra heating where a supplementary benefit claimant lives in very cold surroundings and there is risk of hypothermia. They are also expected to keep in close touch with local social services departments.