HC Deb 15 January 1996 vol 269 cc413-5W
Mr. Callaghan

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to review the system for cold weather payments. [8079]

Mr. Roger Evans

There are no plans for major changes to the scheme. However, after the end of March each year, we review the operation of the scheme over the previous winter with the Meteorological Office. In particular, we look at the links between weather stations and postcode areas and, as a result. minor adjustments are made.

Mr. Charles Kennedy

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many times each of the weather monitoring stations across the United Kingdom have triggered the system of cold weather payments since the last time that the map was revised. [8649]

Mr. Roger Evans

The information is set out in the table.

For information about Northern Ireland, I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Weather station Number of triggers
Chivenor 0
Culdrose 0
Herstmonceaux 0
Manston 0
Mumbles 0
Southampton 0
St. Mawgan 0
Tiree 0
Valley 0
Aberporth 1
Aughton 1
Birmingham 1
Boscombe Down 1
Boulmer 1
Bournemouth 1
Cilfynydd 1
Coltishall 1
Dunkeswell 1
Eskmeals 1
Gatwick 1
Heathrow 1
Leeds 1
Machrihanish 1
Manchester 1
Rhoose 1
Stornoway 1
Tynemouth 1
Waddington 1
Yeovilton 1
Aberdeen 2
Bedford 2
Brize Norton 2
Capel Curig 2
Carlisle 2
Dumfries (including Whithorn) 2
Easthampstead 2
Edinburgh 2
Eskdalemuir 2
Glasgow 2
Kinloss 2
Kirkwall 2
Leeming 2
Lerwick 2
Leuchars 2
Lyneham 2
Marham 2
Shawbury 2
Stanstead 2
Tulloch Bridge 2
Wattisham 2
Whitby 2
Wick 2
Wilsden 2
Aviemore 3
Braemar 3

1. The network of 55 weather stations was updated for the start of the 1995–96 scheme, effective from 1 November 1995.

2. The information relates to Great Britain only.

Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received respecting the system for cold weather payments during the most recent period of inclement weather; and if he will make a statement. [9269]

Mr. Evans

Since 21 December, my right hon. Friend has been asked nine parliamentary questions and received 22 pieces of correspondence about this matter.