§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what quotas apply to his Department for the employment of disabled people arising from the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944 and other legislation; and if he will make a statement.
264Wrefers and the days to which the Prime Minister's statement made on 12 February, Official Report, column 728 applies.
§ Mr. ScottMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's announcements of 7 and 12 February, concerning the seven-day qualifying period for cold weather payments, refer to the periods 1–7 February and 8–14 February respectively.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what discussions his Department has had with the electricity companies with a view to enabling those who could receive cold weather payments to use such payments at the time of need by electricity payment cards;
(2) if he will give consideration to the possibility of putting cold weather payment vouchers in pension or benefit books to enable such payments to be turned on by the Government when necessary.
§ Mr. ScottWe have no plans to make changes to the methods of payment of cold weather payments this winter, but as I announced in the House on 11 February, we will be reviewing the scheme in time for next winter, including the operational arrangements.