§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is satisfied that the measures of assistance given by his Department to meet fuel bills is sufficiently flexible and known to the public to avoid cases of old people suffering from lack of warmth during the long cold periods of the current winter.
§ Dr. Jobn CunninghamThe present electricity discount scheme covers about 5 million people with low incomes. It is intended to help those eligible to meet high electricity bills for one winter quarter. The £5 cash payment to recipients of supplementary benefit or family income supplement can, however, be used for any fuel cost. The scheme is only one of a number of measures taken by the Government which help the elderly. It is being given widespread publicity but this cannot guarantee that every elderly person who is eligible will benefit.