§ 12. Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will now make a statement on the level of death grant.
§ The Minister for Social Security (Dr. Rhodes Boyson)I shall make a statement as soon as possible.
§ Mr. KirkwoodIs the Minister aware that his answer will condemn thousands of elderly people who are worried about burial costs to yet another Christmas of apprehension? Is it not a disgrace that the period for consultation on the Government's document ended 18 months ago, in July 1982? When may we expect an answer to the representations that have been made?
§ Dr. BoysonThe hon. Member will get an answer as soon as possible. It is important to get a scheme whereby the money that is available — because vast sums of additional money are not available—can be used to help the families that need it to cover their funeral expenses.
§ Mr. McCrindleCan my hon. Friend confirm, before the statement is made, that the Government are at least considering moving in the direction often recommended whereby, in return for those of us who do not need the £30 death grant sacrificing it, we have a rising scale payable on the basis of need?
§ Dr. BoysonI am very grateful to my hon. Friend. The suggestions that were put up some 18 months ago were exactly along the lines referred to by my hon. Friend—a grant of £250, £200 or £150 to people on supplementary benefit, FIS or war pensioners. It is from something along those lines that the solution is likely to come.
§ Mr. Frank FieldWill the Minister renew the pledge of his predecessor and seek the agreement of the Opposition before introducing any change to the benefit?
§ Dr. BoysonI was not aware that my predecessor made that pledge, but if he did, that pledge will be fulfilled.