asked the Minister for Social Welfare why those in receipt of social welfare benefits from the British Government who are resident in this country, do not qualify for free ESB supplies; and whether he is prepared to alter the regulations.

Eligibility for free electricity allowances under the scheme administered by my Department is confined to persons who are receiving from my Department old age or blind pensions or, being aged 70 or over, widows' contributory pension, subject to their satisfying certain other qualifying conditions. Some persons so eligible may also be receiving British pensions. Extension of the scheme to cover persons receiving social welfare benefits generally either under my Department's schemes or from the British Government is not at present contemplated.