§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of persons who each year will receive (a) help with funeral expenses and (b) help with maternity expenses from the proposed social fund.
§ Mr. NewtonPrecise estimates cannot be made since the number of those receiving help will depend on factors such as the level of claimants' savings and, in the case of funerals, the proportion on income-related benefits responsible for funerals. But the new arrangements will mean a significant increase in the number of low income families eligible for substantial help with these expenses.