§ 98. Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how cold weather payments to retirement pensioners will be affected by the proposed changes in the social security system.
§ Mr. ScottI announced to my hon. Friend the Member for Fylde (Mr. Jack) on 26 October at column184 that we intend to provide for a regulated system of help towards the cost of heating in cold weather. This will be paid as a right in a similar way to the arrangements for maternity and funeral payments under the social fund. Precise details will be considered in the light of this winter's experience.