§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many families were assisted in each of the past three winters by the special fuel discount schemes; and at what cost.
§ Mr. John MooreI have been asked to reply.
The number of families assisted is not known. The total numbers helped under each of the three electricity discount schemes—the majority of whom were householders—and the respective costs are as follows:
NUMBERS RECEIVING £5 payment Discounts Cost (£m) 1977 — 1.6m 12 1978 3.2m 0.7m 23 1979 3.1m 2.25m 38