HC Deb 31 January 1985 vol 72 cc303-4W
Mr. Pike

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the citizens' advice bureaux regarding problems with the fuel direct scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Whitney

In November 1983 the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux sent copies of its report "Poverty and Paying for Fuel: the CAB Experience" to my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Energy and for Social Services, following which further representations were sent to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy in December 1984. Also in December 1984 the Greater London Citizens Advice Bureaux Service sent copies of its report "Cold Comfort for the Poor" to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy, as well as to my hon. Friend the Minister for Social Security and to myself. I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Warrington, North (Mr. Hoyle) on 30 January, at column 228, concerning the administration of the fuel direct scheme.