§ Mr. Frank Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action is being taken by his Department in response to the increased rate of (a) mortality and (b) morbidity in winter periods compared with summer periods amongst (i) late neonatal babies, (ii) post-neonatal babies and (iii) pensioners.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe underlying reasons for seasonal differences are very complex. We are concerned to reduce health problems encountered by vulnerable groups during the winter and policy is kept under active review. Among the steps already taken are the following.
The Government already provide considerable help with fuel costs to the least well off through the supplementary benefit scale rates and heating additions. We have extended automatic payments in heating additions to householders aged 65 or over and to those with young children.
The exceptionally cold weather scheme gives additional help to vulnerable groups. This year help has been given to twice as many people as in the previous scheme.
The Health Education Authority, which is funded by Government, gives further advice in its publication — The Pregnancy Book — on the care of babies in cold weather. It has also published a booklet jointly with Age Concern—Warmth in Winter—on how to cut the cost of keeping warm.