§ Mr. Normantonasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the cost of rebates which are being given by area electricity boards to senior citizens who are in receipt of rate rebates; and whether a similar system of relief is proposed for people whose home is heated by gas.
§ Dr. John CunninghamThis assistance is given by the Government under the electricity discount scheme to which £45 million has been allocated to cover both the costs of discounts and the £5 payment to recipients of supplementary benefit and family income supplement. Actual costs742W of the discount will depend on the number claiming it but over 2 million retirement pensioners may be eligible to do so. The scheme runs from 1 January to 30 June—the last date for claiming discount vouchers at post offices—and it is not intended to extend it to gas consumers.