§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) under what circumstances his department pays for hire-purchase debts in respect of refrigerators; on how many occasions in the last 12 months for which figures are available this has occurred; and what the cost has been to public funds;
(2) under what circumstances his Department pays for hire-purchase debts in 396W respect of carpets; on how many occasions in the last 12 months for which figures are available this has occurred; and what the cost has been to public funds;
(3) under what circumstances his Department pays for hire-purchase debts in respect of curtains; on how many occasions in the last 12 months for which figures are available this has occurred; and what the cost has been to public funds;
(4) under what circumstances his Department would pay a hire-purchase debt for a person on social security in respect of a cocktail cabinet;
(5) under what circumstances his Department pays for debts in respect of gas bills; on how many occasions in the last 12 months for which figures are available this has occurred; and what the cost has been to public funds;
(6) under what circumstances his Department pays for hire-purchase debts in respect of furniture; on how many occasions in the last 12 months for which figures are available this has occurred; and what the cost has been to public funds;
(7) under what circumstances his Department pays for debts in respect of electricity bills; on how many occasions in the last 12 months for which figures are available this has occurred; and what the cost has been to public funds.
§ Mr. OrmeThe policy of the Supple. mentary Benefits Commission on meeting hire-purchase commitments and fuel debts is clearly set out in their Administration Paper No. 4, "Exceptional Needs Payments", a copy of which is in the Library. The other information is not available.