HC Deb 13 December 1988 vol 143 cc546-7W
26. 26. Mrs. Golding

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to assist elderly people to combat hypothermia during the winter months.

30. Mr. Bradley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to assist elderly people to combat hypothermia during the winter months.

61. Mr. Cunliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to assist elderly people to combat hypothermia during the winter months.

63. Mr. Frank Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to assist elderly people to combat hypothermia during the winter months.

Mrs. Currie

On 17 November the Government launched this years "Keep Warm Keep Well" campaign. This is a health promotion campaign designed to give people information and advice about how to combat the risks of cold weather and is supported by the Departments of Health, Social Security, Environment, Welsh Office and Energy and several voluntary organisations.

As well as supporting the "Keep Warm Keep Well" campaign, the Department of Social Security provides cold weather payments, the Department of the Environment runs the home insulation grants scheme, and the Department of Energy supports Neighbourhood Energy Action, which organises community insulation projects.

We printed around 750,000 copies of the campaign booklet and there has already been sufficient demand to order a reprint. The telephone helpline on 0800-289404, the Winter Warmth line, is receiving around 200 calls a day.

Mr. Meale

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice his Department gives to the elderly about wrapping up more warmly during winter periods.

Mrs. Currie

Advice on keeping warm in winter is given in the "Keep Warm Keep Well" campaign.

We firmly believe that vulnerable people should be encouraged to take sensible precautions including dressing warmly in cold weather.