asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the estimated State grant for the cheap fuel scheme to necessitous households for the period 31st March to the 31st October, 1953, and the cost of the scheme for the same period in 1952.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Cheap Fuel Scheme.
It is estimated that a State grant of £11,000 would be required to operate the cheap fuel scheme during theperiod from the 31st March to the 31st October, 1953. The cost of operating the scheme during the summer period, 1952, on the basis of unaudited figures, was £12,721, of which £3,348 was borne by the local authorities in respect of administration costs and the issue of fuel to home assistance recipients.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the estimated cost to the State of the cheap fuel scheme for old age pensioners for the period 31st March to 31st October, 1953.
Under the cheap fuel scheme, persons in receipt of old age, blind, and widows' pensions are included in one group and separate information is not available as to the cost of fuel issued to old age pensioners. It is estimated that the total cost to the State for the issue of fuel under the scheme to the pensioner group during the period from the 31st March to the 31st October, 1953, would amount to approximately £7,000.