§ 27. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many deaths have occurred during the last, two months where hypothermia was either the main or a contributory factor.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThis information is not available. Provisional figures for the December 1981 and March 1982 quarters should be available about September and December respectively of this year.
§ 67. Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the effectiveness of Her Majesty's Government's policy against hypothermia amongst aged people for this winter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossiThe Government cannot take direct action against the occurrence of clinical conditions such as hypothermia, but we emphasise in publicity campaigns that everyone should be aware of the need for elderly people generally to keep warm in winter. We are currently spending over £250 million a year on help for fuel consumers on low incomes. There are loft insulation grants covering 90 per cent. of the cost for elderly people on low incomes and grants are available for people entitled to supplementary benefit for simple draught-proofing and hot water cylinder jackets.