HC Deb 14 February 2003 vol 400 cc10-1W
Rev. Martin Smyth

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was distributed through the Social Fund for the red button alert device scheme in Northern Ireland in each year since 2000; how many people have a red button alert device; what plans he has to increase free provision of the red button alert device for pensioners; and what plans he has to update the red button alert device technology. [98363]

Mr. Browne

Information is not available on the value of Social Fund payments which have been made in respect of the red button alert device. The Social Security Agency has specific arrangements in place with groups in the voluntary sector who represent pensioner interests to ensure that requests for help to purchase this particular device are dealt with promptly.

At this time there are no plans to increase free provision of the red button alert devices. As the device is not the responsibility of the Department we do not hold information regarding the updating of the technology.

Where the provision of the red button alert device forms part of an assessed care management package the cost may be funded from the relevant Health and Social Services Trust's budget.

Present car Previous car1
Minister Date changed2 Power unit (litre) Fuel used Power unit (litre) Fuel used
Robin Cook MP 22 October 2002 2.6 Unleaded 2.5 Unleaded
Ben Bradshaw MP 17 April 2002 2.0 Unleaded 1.8 Unleaded
1 Inherited from predecessor. 2 Only such change in the past three years.

Both past and present ministerial cars were leased under an agreement with the Government Car Service (GCS). The types of car provided followed the "Prime Minister's guidance on travel by Ministers".

GCS recognises that reducing vehicle omissions is a key transport issue and a Government priority. Against a baseline of 2002–03, GCS aims by 31 March 2006 to reduce road transport vehicle carbon dioxide emissions by at least 10 per cent. and to require at least 10 per cent. of fleet cars to be alternatively fuelled. Moreover, the Deputy Leader and I both endeavour to use public transport, cycle or walk, where value for money and time constraints permit.