§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in the light of the Secretary of State for Industry's Written Answer on 14th July that, for the purpose of the Furniture Industry Development Council Order 1948 (as amended), television sets are regarded as furniture, how his Department differentiates between television sets and other furniture when granting benefit for the purchase of furniture.
§ Mr. DeakinsAs is made clear in paragraphs 92.94 of the Supplementary Benefits Handbook, to which I directed the hon. Member's attention in my reply of 2nd July—[Vol. 914 c.334–5]—the criterion for the provision under the Supplementary Benefits Scheme of furniture is that the items should be essential. Television sets are not regarded as essential. The interpretation of "furniture" for the purposes of the Furniture Industry Development Order 1948 is irrelevant.