§ Mrs. Beckettasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the average heating costs for a household in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe average weekly heating costs for a household in Northern Ireland were £11.52 in 1983.
§ Mrs. Beckettasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what amount is allowed towards heating costs in basic levels of supplementary benefit for households in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Chris PattenSupplementary benefit paid to householders in Northern Ireland is intended to cover all items of normal expenditure on day-to-day living including heating costs but excluding housing costs. There is no separately identifiable element specifically provided for fuel. Where extra heating is likely to be required or where fuel costs can otherwise be expected to be above normal additional amounts varying from £2.05 to £8.20 are awarded.