HC Deb 16 December 1987 vol 124 cc598-9W
Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, what action he is taking to make information available to elderly people on keeping warm during very cold weather; and what is the estimated cost of such publicity.

Mrs. Currie

The Government have initiated a major information campaign this winter, entitled "Keep Warm, Keep Well", to advise both elderly people and other vulnerable groups about keeping warm in cold weather. This is a joint campaign between the Government and three leading voluntary organisations: Age Concern, Help the Aged and Neighbourhood Energy Action. It was launched on 17 November. The campaign includes a free telephone advisory help-line, a Government booklet, television public information films and newspaper advertising in both national and local press. The cost to the Department will be around £500,000 and I will arrange for the hon. Member to receive a copy of the press pack to use in his own area.

This campaign is being run in addition to the normal publicity given by the Department to social security benefits, and by other Government Departments to issues such as energy conservation. The voluntary organisations are also issuing advisory leaflets of their own.

I am placing copies of the booklet in the Library.