§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to be able to estimate the effects of the cold weather on the elderly during December 160W and January; and whether he will take steps to increase the provision for and protection of the elderly in the event of any recurrence.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThere can be no comprehensive assessment of all the effects which might possibly be attributed to the severe winter weather.
There is already a provision for single payments to be made to supplementary benefit claimants—including supplementary pensioners—whenever a period of exceptionally severe weather results in fuel consumption greater than normal. Staff of health and social services authorities are well aware that some elderly people may suffer the effects of cold; and much effort has been put into publicising the circumstances in which hypothermia can occur and the steps which can be taken to reduce the risk.
In due course information will be available on the number of single payments made to help with heating costs.
Other data concerning the situation of the elderly during the period will be studied when they become available.