HC Deb 13 May 1968 vol 764 cc184-5W
Mr. Eadie

asked the Minister of Social Security what calculations her Department makes on the amount pensioners spend on heating, lighting and cooking.

Mrs. Hart

Levels of benefit are determined according to what is reasonable overall, rather than based upon detailed calculations of the sums spent on particular items, since varying factors are involved, including the personal circumstances and preferences of individuals. But the costs of the items mentioned by my hon. Friend, together with other relevant factors, are of course carefully observed.