§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state the average cost of funerals; and whether he will now increase the present funeral benefit to help meet the increasing charges.
§ Mr. DeanFigures showing the average cost of funerals are not available, but each year the National Association of Funeral Directors agrees a maximum charge for funerals at minimum standards. The current figure is £69.75. We have no immediate proposals for increasing the amount of the death grant.