§ 22. Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he intends to take immediately to help pensioners combat the high cost of heating their homes in the winter months.
§ Mr. ConcannonThe Supplementary Benefits Commission in Northern Ireland has standing arrangements to assist pen-904W sioners and others in receipt of supplementary benefits through additions to their weekly allowance to help them purchase extra fuel where this is needed. Moreover, on 18th October 1977 I confirmed that the electricity discount scheme, announced by the Secretary of State for Energy, will apply in Northern Ireland, and, as in 1977, discounts will be extended to include gas bills in Northern Ireland. This scheme will apply to all recipients of supplementary benefit including supplementary pensions, and also to all low income families receiving supplementary benefit or family income supplement. Pensioners in Northern Ireland will also be receiving a Christmas bonus of£10, which will help them with all their costs.