§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now ensure that local officers of the Department of Health and Social Security publicise a weekly notice in local newspapers about whether the previous week has been a qualifying week for claiming the special £5 heating allowance.
§ Mr. MajorLocal offices have been directed to publish advertisements in their local newspapers whenever a 139W qualifying average temperature of 0 deg C is triggered. They have done so for each week of exceptionally cold weather in their area during 1987.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many letters he has received from hon. Members and others about the problem of pensioners who have £500 in savings for their funeral expenses and therefore do not qualify for the £5 heating allowance.