HC Deb 04 March 1987 vol 111 cc622-3W
Mr. Patrick Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to ensure local health authority tenants are fully aware of the single payments for draughtproofing currently provided by his Department.

Mr. Major

Single payments for draughtproofing materials are available only to people entitled to supplementary benefit. Most health authority tenants are employed by the authority and are not therefore eligible for such payments.

Mr. Patrick Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what arrangements he has made to ensure his Freephone DHSS service can promote the work of local neighbourhood energy action projects by way of local referrals;

(2) what plans he has to ensure that those claiming severe weather payments can also claim single payments for draughtproofing where the work can be done by local neighbourhood energy action groups.

Mr. Major

I shall let my hon. Friend have replies as soon as possible.

Mr. Patrick Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements he has made to promote the Energy Efficiency Office's Monergy Save Freepost and Monergy Linkline service to claimants of supplementary and other benefits.

Mr. Major

The Monergy hotline and freepost services are available to everyone, not just those in receipt of supplementary benefit and other benefits. Both services have been widely advertised in national and local newspapers and special promotional activities, and the hotline has also been advertised on national television.

Mr. Patrick Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to introduce a specific scheme to replace single payments for draughtproofing.

Mr. Major

I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett) on 13 January 1987 at column170.