HC Deb 23 July 1975 vol 896 cc240-1W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the value of the death grant in 1974 in terms of the 1964 pound sterling; and if she will take steps to restore its real value.

Mr. Meacher

On the basis of the General Index of Retail Prices the value of the death grant in 1974 in terms of 1964 prices was£15.42. In the present difficult economic circumstances the available resources are being devoted to increasing existing benefits designed to meet day-to-day living expenses and to the provision of new benefits designed to help in particular the disabled.