HC Deb 18 December 1972 vol 848 cc288-9W
Sir R. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give details of the deaths which occurred in public swimming baths and pools in 1971.

Sir K. Joseph

The known details of deaths stated, or presumed, to have occurred in such places in England and Wales in 1971 are as follows:

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from Age Concern on the non-payment to certain retirement pensioners of the £10 Christmas bonus; what reply he is sending; what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement.

Sir K. Joseph

I would refer the hon. Members to the announcement made by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House in his business statement earlier today. I am writing to Age Concern telling it of the Government's proposals.

Mr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the £10 supplementary payment to retired pensioners in local authority residential homes is being handled uniformly throughout the country; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dean

A letter was sent on 17th November to local authorities advising them that the £10 payment should not be taken into account when assessing a person's ability to pay for accommodation provided under Part III of the National Assistance Act 1948. So far as I am aware, local authorities are observing the terms of this letter but if the hon. Member is aware of any difficulty I shall he glad to look into it.