§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what mechanisms exist for liaison between his Department and the Departments of Health and of the Environment in respect of(a) cold weather credits and (b) the Christmas bonus; and if he will make a statement on recent discussions in this area. [4541]
§ Mr. Roger EvansAll three Departments continue to liaise effectively on the issues raised by the campaign for cold weather credits, although there have been no recent discussions on any specific proposals.
The Christmas bonus is paid under the relevant social security legislation. Liaison with the Departments of Health and of the Environment is not appropriate.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which national climatological message 785W stations cover post codes BB8, BB9 and BB12 in respect of the cold weather payments regulations. [4952]
§ Mr. EvansPost codes BB8, BB9 and BB12 are served by the Meteorological Office weather station at Wilsden, west Yorkshire. All weather stations and the area they cover are listed in the schedules to the social fund cold weather payments regulations, a copy of which is in the Library.