§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much money was paid by his Department in the last year for which figures are available in respect of unpaid telephone bills to social security claimants.
§ Mr. DeakinsI understand that it is not the Supplementary Benefits Commission's policy to pay telephone bills, though installation costs and rental charges are paid in very rare cases where the claimant lives alone, is housebound and relies on a telephone for outside communication in an emergency.