asked the Secretary of State for Energy if assistance from the £25 million allocated by his Department will be able to be claimed by persons in receipt of invalidity benefit and pensioners who do not receive social security benefit.

All those receiving supplementary benefit or family income supplement whether or not this is paid in addition to another allowance who pay directly to electricity boards will be eligible for the electricity discount. Those whose income is such that they do not qualify for supplementary benefit or family income supplement will not be eligible for the electricity discount.