§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will issue a special circular to DHSS offices 538W and to local authority social services departments concerning the danger during cold weather of hypothermia amongst the elderly and very young.
§ Mrs. CurrieLocal authority social services departments and the National Health Service have, over many years, developed systems and skills to enable them to react to the danger of hypothermia during periods of cold weather. The staff of DHSS local offices are also aware of the dangers of hypothermia, and would be able to offer advice on benefits if they came across a potential case during the course of a home visit. The Health Education Council, which is funded by the Government, makes available each year, in conjunction with Age Concern, an advisory leaflet on hypothermia for elderly people, and has recently launched a detailed training package on hypothermia aimed at health and social services staff. In the light of this, we do not consider that there is a need for a special circular.