Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on Cookers (Single Payments) – 5 March 1986

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on Cookers (Single Payments) on 5th March 1986.

Mr. Tony Lloyd Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what instructions he has issued to local offices of his Department about guidelines issued to claimants of single payments concerning reconditioned and new cookers; if he has expressly forbidden the use of maximum prices in such guidelines; if he will indicate the circumstances under which a single payment would be given for a new cooker; if he will indicate what he considers to be a reasonable distance for claimants to travel to seek suitable reconditioned cookers; and if local offices issue lists of firms which supply reconditioned cookers.

Mr. Major The matters raised are dealt with in the guidance contained in circular S36/85, a copy of which I sent to the hon. Member under cover of my letter of 11 November 1985. Copies of the circular are also in the Library. I also refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend to my hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills (Mr. Shepherd) on 24 February, at columns 476-78, announcing the reference to the Social Security Advisory Committee for consultation of proposals for changes to the single payment regulations which would, among other changes, introduce a standard sum for cookers.