HC Deb 09 November 1971 vol 825 cc105-6W
28. Mr. Edward Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons were assisted with the costs of maintaining a telephone by the Supplementary Benefits Commission at the most recent date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dean

There were 42 new cases in the 12 months ending in August, 1971. There are also an unknown number of people who continue to receive help which was first authorised in earlier years. I have no statement to make at present.

32. Mr. John D. Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he will take on the recommendations in the report Old and Cold in Islington, a copy of which has recently been sent to him, and, in particular, on its proposal that old people should he given heating grants which are applicable to their needs.

Mr. Dean

My Department has frequently drawn attention to the importance of co-ordinated local arrangements to give any necessary help to those elderly people who are particularly at risk in very cold weather. The Supplementary Benefits Commission considers that the improved levels of heating additions meet the special needs of supplementary beneficiaries who require extra warmth.

40. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give an assurance that supplementary benefit will be increased as soon as electricity and gas charges are increased in order that the lower income groups can maintain additional warmth during the winter months.

Mr. Dean

The supplementary benefit scale rates, which cover the cost of normal heating, are reviewed regularly to ensure that their value is maintained. As my hon. Friend knows, they were increased in September.

49. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of people in this country who are not eligible for supplementary benefit although in receipt of incomes which do not attract liability for income tax.

Sir K. Joseph

On the basis of statistics relating to 1968, it is estimated that about 2½ million retirement pensioners may be in this category. No reliable estimate can be made for other classes.