§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the additional number of pensioners in Northern Ireland entitled to the winter fuel allowance following the European Court of Justice judgment of 15 December 1999. [118120]
§ Mr. George HowarthIt is estimated that there will be 39,000 additional people in Northern Ireland entitled to Winter Fuel Payments as a result of the European Court of Justice judgment. I should point out that these people will not all be pensioners, as men aged between 60-64 are not receiving retirement pension.