§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will list the statutory provisions which empower her to provide financial aid to telephone subscribers in cases of hardship; and what amount has been provided over the last three years.
§ Mr. Alec JonesThe principal statutory provisions which are relevant concern local authorities. Under general discretionary powers afforded by the Supplementary Benefits Act 1966 to make payments for special needs, the Supplementary Benefits Commission may provide for the cost of installation or rental of a telephone in very exceptional circumstances. The amount of help provided under these powers is not separately recorded but is known to be very small.