§ Mr. Nobleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will instruct the managers of offices of his Department to defray the cost of service charges made by electricity boards and gas boards for persons in receipt of State benefits and supplementary benefits.
§ Mr. OrmeAny payment of this nature would be a matter for the Supplementary Benefits Commission to consider under its discretionary powers. My right hon. Friend has no power to make such payments for people in receipt of other benefits.