§ Mr. O'HaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many cold weather payments were made in November 1992 and in December 1992(a) nationally and (b) in Merseyside.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of the social fund is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from M. Bichard to Mr. Edward O'Hara, dated 14 January 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking how many cold weather payments were made in November 1992 and in December 1992 (a) nationally and (b) in Merseyside.There were no forecast or recorded periods of cold weather in November 1992. Following forecast and recorded periods of cold weather in December 1992, around 2.5 million payments nationally have been made costing approximately £15.5 million. More detailed national and local figures will be placed in the Library as soon as they are available.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report. A copy will also be placed in the Library.