§ 49. Mr. Arthur Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will give instructions that, in determining benefits and special needs, the use of a refrigerator or washing machine shall not be regarded as a luxury, and beneficiaries shall not have to establish that such equipment is essential but that these items shall be regarded as generally accepted aids to living.
§ Mr. OrmeNo. This is a matter for the Supplementary Benefits Commission to decide in exercising the discretionary powers conferred on it by the Supplementary Benefits Act 1976. Its policy in this matter is set out in paragraph 81 of the supplementary benefits handbook.