HC Deb 12 November 1985 vol 86 cc154-5W
52. Mr. Wallace

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he proposes to amend the regulations for qualification for the cold climate allowance.

Mr. Newton

There is no provision at present for a cold climate allowance, and we have no plans to introduce one. The hon. Member may be referring to single payments for fuel costs in periods of exceptionally severe weather, and I refer him to my reply to the hon. Member for Dunfermline, East (Mr. Brown) on 11 November at columns95–97.

53. Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has made a decision on payment of cold weather allowances for the winter of 1985–86.

Mr. Newton

I refer the right hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Dunfermline, East (Mr. Brown) on 11 November at columns95–97.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has given further consideration to the representations made for a cold climate allowance to those areas of Scotland which are adversely affected by severe weather conditions.

Mr. Newton

We have given careful consideration to the representations made for a cold climate allowance. But, like previous Governments, we remain of the view that it would not be right to deviate from the principle of national benefit levels.