§ Mr. Redmondasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what sum, in assessing supplementary pensions, is regarded as adequate for a single person to spend on food, and on cooking and heating, respectively.
§ Mr. DeanSupplementary pensions are assessed on the basis of the amounts (known as "scale rates") laid down for normal requirements under the Ministry of Social Security Act. The scale rates are intended to provide for all normal living expenses, including food, cooking and heating. Since individual needs and preferences vary it is not possible to apportion an element of the scale rate to any single item of expenditure. When a person needs a special diet or extra heating the Supplementary Benefits Commission make special payments to cover the additional expense.