§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why, in view of the fact that the Department of the Environment recommends a minimum temperature of 70°F for accommodation for old people and that supplementary benefit officers need an official minimum temperature to assess the claims of supplementary pensioners for extra heating 311W additions, he will not recommend a minimum room temperature for old people.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe advice issued by the Department of the Environment does not specify temperature levels to be maintained. It relates solely to the capability or performance of appliances installed and makes it clear that the temperature shall be controllable by the tenant. The assessment of a client's need for a heating addition is not based on a specified temperature level but on criteria such as the claimant's mobility, health or the condition of his housing. The need to recommend a minimum room temperature for old people does not therefore arise.