Cold Weather Payments

HC Deb 02 November 1992 vol 213 c100W

Mrs. Ray Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he next intends to review the level and operation of cold weather payments.

Mr. Scott

Very significant improvements to the cold weather payments scheme were introduced last winter, including the automatic payment of eligible people without the need to make a claim. The scheme is kept under regular review, and some further refinements in individual areas' links with weather stations are planned for introduction this winter.

Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the employers' financial responsibility will be for maternity pay under the EC directive on the protection at work of pregnant women.

Mr. Scott

We are considering the directive's implications for maternity benefits and will make an announcement in due course.