§ Mr. Cookasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many direct payments for gas and electricity charges in respect of claimants in Scotland were made in each quarter from 1 August 1979; how many payments were between 0-£5, £5-£10, £10-£15, £15-£20 and over £20 in each quarter; and what was the average amount of payment in each quarter.
§ Mr. PrenticeDirect supplementary benefit payments for gas and electricity—made in Scotland each quarter since August 1979—are shown in the table below. The average weekly payments, which include an amount deducted against arrears—80p in August and November 1979, 95p therafter—are also shown. A breakdown of the amounts paid could not be obtained without disproportionate expense. The figures for the November 1980 quarter are not yet available.