§ Mr. Stuart Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many users included in the fuel direct scheme have increased their arrears since deductions started.
§ Mr. NewtonI regret that the information requested is not available. The revised arrangements for the fuel direct scheme introduced last year in conjunction with the fuel industries should ensure that the level of debt does not increase.
§ Mr. Stallardasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people, and how many of pensionable age, will come off the fuel-direct scheme in April; and how much will be saved as a result.
§ Mr. RossiIt is estimated that a total of 12,000 people, of whom 8,000 are of pensionable age, have come off the fuel direct scheme last November, or will come off next April, as a result of the introduction of housing benefit. There will be no saving in benefit expenditure and a minimal saving in administrative costs.