HC Deb 12 February 1985 vol 73 cc157-8W
42. Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about the way in which single needs payments towards extra heating costs are applied; what his response has been; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Whitney

In addition to views expressed in the House we have received about 120 letters and one petition signed by about 100 people this year, including about 45 letters from hon. and right hon. Members, about the way in which payments for extra fuel in periods of exceptionally severe weather are given. As my hon. Friend said in his reply to the hon. Member for Dunfermline, East (Mr. Brown) on 18 January, at column261, the Chief Adjudication Officer will be looking at the guidance he has issued on the interpretation of the regulation governing entitlement to these payments in the light of experience. More generally, we are looking at the provision for meeting special expenses of this sort in the context of the supplementary benefit review.

46. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with this winter's operation of exceptionally severe weather payments; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Whitney

I refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Dunfermline, East (Mr. Brown) on 18 January, at column261.