§ Mr. Haynesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce a comprehensive scheme which will assist those excluded from the new fuel assistance scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what additional steps are proposed to help old people and large families on low incomes cope with the consequences of higher prices for gas and electricity.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI cannot at present add to what my right hon. Friend said in his statement to the House on 22 October, that the Government are aware of the need to take the cost of energy into account in developing their social policies, and will keep under review the range of help available to assist poor consumers with fuel bills.—[Vol. 972, c. 35–6.]