§ 12. Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what instructions have been given by his Department to social security officers, in dealing with requests for financial help by elderly people who are facing finan- 46W cial hardship in buying new gas appliances as a result of gas conversion.
§ Mr. DeanLocal gas boards are responsible for converting appliances to use North Sea gas, without charge to the consumer. Where safety is involved, for example if an unsafe appliance has to be replaced before conversion, the Supplementary Benefits Commission's instructions provide for discretionary payments to help claimants with the expense.