HC Deb 24 April 2002 vol 384 cc343-4W
Mr. Russell Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many men aged between 60 and 65 years were eligible to claim backdated winter fuel payments by the deadline of 30 March 2001 for backdated applications. [51609]

Mr. McCartney

[holding answer 23 April 2002]: There are no time limits for claims which cover the past years 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000 and successful claims continue to be paid. 30 March 2001 was the deadline for winter 2000–01 claims only.

Mr. Russell Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of those eligible men aged 60 to 65 years made a successful claim for backdated winter fuel payments in the last three years. [51608]

Mr. McCartney

[holding answer 23 April 2002]: The information is not available in the format requested. There are no time limits for claims covering the winters 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000 and, to date, over 1 million payments have been issued in respect of one or more of these years. It is up to the individual to choose whether to claim.