§ Mr. Ronnie CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many death grants were claimed in Blyth Valley last year; and how many were awarded.
§ Mr. PortilloDeath grants ceased with the introduction of the social fund funeral payments in April 1987.
During the last year of availability (9 April 1986 to 6 April 1987) 1,094 death grants were claimed at Blyth local office. Figures on the number of payments made are not available.
In the first year of operation (7 April 1987 to 8 April 1988) 97 claims to social fund funeral payments resulted in 59 payments.