asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many pensionres over 75 years of age already gain an additional supplementary benefit payment towards their heating costs; and if he will classify this data according to the number receiving 85p, £1·70p and £2·55p as well as those receiving an allowance towards their central heating costs;(2) how many supplementary benefit claimants with children under five years of age receive an additional payment towards their heating costs; and if he will classify this information according to the number receiving 85p, £1·70p and £2·55p as well as those receiving an allowance towards their central heating costs.

It is estimated that some 650,000 supplementary pensioners over 75, and some 85,000 claimants with children under five years of age are already receiving a heating addition. It is not possible to produce reliable estimates of the further information requested except at disproportionate cost.