§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations have been made to her about the need for a higher heating allowance for those living in Scottish households, in order to take account of lower average temperatures in Scotland compared with England.
§ Mr. MeacherNone, recently, but representations of this kind have been received from time to time. Provision for normal heating requirements in the supplementary benefits scheme is included in the scale rates, which are approved by
294W£500,000 per annum, the frequency with which such forms are required, the number of questions asked and the use to which the information so obtained is put; and what steps she is taking to reduce such form filling.
§ Mr. MeacherThe use of forms for information that is required from firms and organisations in connection with the administration of the social security scheme is related either to individual benefit claims or the collection of contributions. The size of an organisation or its cash turnover has no relevance to these contacts. The number and content of all forms is kept under regular review.