§ 103. Mr. Hubbardasked the Minister of National Insurance if, in view of the considerable increase in electricity charges in many parts of the country this winter, he will direct the Assistance Board and its officers to take account of this added burden on old age pensioners and make extra supplementary payments to meet this increase.
§ 104. Mr. Carmichaelasked the Minister of National Insurance if he will draw the attention of the Assistance Board to the increased electricity charges in many parts of the country, particularly Glasgow, and advise the board and its officials to take account of these costs and make added allowances where necessary to those in receipt of assistance.
§ Mr. SteeleI have been in consultation with the Board, who inform me that 251W they do not feel that any special additions to their allowances are called for by reason of these increases. They understand that in so far as the increases are seasonal they should not result in consumers as a whole paying more throughout the year. In other respects the increases affect only those who in the past have been getting their electricity at an exceptionally cheap rate not enjoyed by most people in receipt of assistance.