§ 13. Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has made any estimate of the numbers of households likely to be eligible for exceptionally severe weather payments following the cold February weather; and if he will estimate the likely total cost of the payments.
§ Mr. MajorIt is not possible to make a reliable estimate at this stage. Information about numbers and costs will be collected when the period during which payments are likely to arise is over.
§ 25. Mr. Penhaligonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the estimate of the total expenditure on exceptionally severe weather payments in the winters of 1984–85 and 1985–86.
§ Mr. NewtonThe cost of single payments for extra fuel used during exceptionally severe weather was approximately £1.7 million in 1984–85. Information on payments made for this winter is not yet available. When the period during which payments are likely to arise is over, local offices will be asked to make a return so that the total number of payments made and the cost can be calculated.
§ 31. Dr. Michael Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will indicate the total amount of benefit paid out as exceptionally severe weather allowance during the last few months.
§ Mr. NewtonI refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 24 February at column470.
§ 44. Mr. Marlandasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the outcome of his review of the operation in the current year of exceptionally severe weather payments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonI refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Coventry, North-East (Mr. Park) on 24 March.