§ Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will consider measures to increase the death grant to £250; and if he will make a statement on the estimated cost to public funds of such an increase.
§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received regarding the death grant; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonThe Department is currently receiving an average of nine letters a week from hon. Members and members of the public concerning the death grant. We have been continuing to give consideration to our policy towards the grant in the light of the response to the consultative document published in March 1982, which revealed no public consensus in favour of any of the options proposed. This consideration will now be carried forward within the context of the wider re-examination of social security which my right hon. Friend has set in hand. The estimated additional cost of increasing the grant to £250 would be £125 million.