§ Mrs. Renee Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will assess the effect on the present level of supplementary benefit payable to pensioners of his proposed new regulations.
§ Mr. WhitneyI presume the hon. Member is referring to the changes to the rules for paying additions for special needs to people receiving the long-term rate of supplementary benefit, which came into effect from 26 November, together with an extension of heating additions for supplementary pensioners. I refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Cynon Valley (Mrs. Clwyd) on 27 November at column468.