§ Mr. McMahonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the latest figures available for the numbers receiving assistance from supplementary benefit departments of his Department towards the cost of funerals; what is the average amount of assistance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonInformation from the "Annual Statistical Enquiry" carried out in December 1981 is as follows:
Number of Single Payments Average Amount £ Supplementary benefit single payments for funeral expenses 11,000 165.00 These figures relate to single payments made during the 12 months preceding the inquiry to persons still in receipt of supplementary benefit at the date of the inquiry. They therefore understate to some extent the total number of single payments made during the year.