§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make proposals for assisting retirement pensioners who are home owners with the re-wiring of older property.
§ Mr. ConcannonUnder Northern Ireland legislation the renewal of existing electrical wiring may attract discretionary improvement grants. Such grants, which are based on 50 per cent. of the approved cost of the works, up to a maximum of £1,600, are not confined to retirement pensioners but extend to home owners generally.
The Supplementary Benefits Commission for Northern Ireland is prepared to consider assisting with the cost of any necessary re-wiring of property owned and occupied by a pensioner receiving supplementary benefit.