§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether the additional £100 being paid to over 70s in Northern Ireland will be included in the winter fuel allowance; and if he will make a statement. [175193]
§ Malcolm WicksThe intention is that the one-off 70 + payment to eligible households will be included with the 2004–05 winter fuel payment which is paid automatically to the vast majority of those entitled to it. People in Northern Ireland who do not get a winter fuel payment will need to claim the one-off payment from the Department for Social Development before 31 March 2005.