§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) why the hypothermia thermometers issued to old people during the winter of 1983–84 have been withdrawn; what savings have resulted from this; and what plans he has to reintroduce them;
(2) how many Scottish Health Education Group packages, "Keep Warm This Winter", were printed in 1983–84 and 1984–85; and how many are currently available for old people.
§ Mr. John MacKayTen thousand "Keep Warm This Winter" packages were assembled by the Scottish Health Education Group in 1983–84 and in 1984–85. The 241W packages are made up of leaflets produced by a variety of organisations and are distributed through health boards and other appropriate organisations. I am unable to say how many are still available throughout Scotland.
No hypothermia thermometers have been withdrawn. Supplies were not available in time for inclusion in the packages this year, but some 2,300 were subsequently distributed. The group hopes to issue packages, including thermometers, next winter.