HC Deb 07 July 1969 vol 786 c168W
82. Mr. Ridley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to make the death grant available only in those circumstances where the relations or executors cannot afford the cost of the funeral.

Mr. Pentland

No. To apply a means test to this grant, for which contributions have been paid over the years, would undermine the contributory principle on which entitlement to national insurance benefit is based.