§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applicants there have been in Gwent for heating allowance since November 1984; how many of the applicants have been rejected; and how many have received assistance.
§ Mr. WhitneyI regret that statistical information is not collected on the number of decisions to give or refuse heating additions under regulation 12 and schedule 4 of the Supplementary Benefit (Requirements) Regulations.
About 200 lump sum payments have been made in Gwent so far this year for extra fuel used by claimants in the recent exceptionally severe weather. The average amount paid is £6.62. It is too early to say what the total number of payments made or the average amount paid this year will be. Information on the number of unsuccessful claims made is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.