§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what survey was made by his Department of the instances of death by hypothermia in the last winter; and when he expects to announce the arrangements for special fuel allowances for the winter of 1979-80.
§ Mr. PrenticeNo special survey was conducted but each year the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys derives from death certificate data the numbers of deaths where hypothermia was mentioned as a main or contributory cause. Figures for last winter are not yet available.
Increases in supplementary benefit heating additions taking effect from November were announced by my right hon. Friend in his statement to the House on 425W 13 June.—[Vol. 968, c. 437.458]. So far as helping poor consumers with their fuel cost is concerned, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. Wilson) earlier today.