asked the Prime Minister whether, in the light of this winter's experience of exceptionally cold weather, she will review Her Majesty's Government's arrangements for mitigating the problems of cold weather poverty.

The Government already give substantial help with heating costs through the supplementary benefit scale rates and weekly heating additions.The exceptionally cold weather payment scheme was amended from 26 January to provide help when the average temperature for an area falls to 0ْ Celsius or less over a fixed seven-day period. Future arrangements for extra help during periods of exceptionally cold weather will be considered in the light of this winter's experience.