HC Deb 03 December 1958 vol 596 cc153-4W
127. Mr. Prentice

asked the Minister of Defence what payments are now made towards the funeral expenses incurred by relatives of men or women who die while serving in Her Majesty's forces, in cases where the relatives prefer to make private arrangements for the funeral; and whether he will consider making improvements on these payments.

Mr. Sandys

When death occurs in the United Kingdom, the Service bears the cost of conveyance of the body to its home and makes a grant of£10 towards funeral expenses unless the Service provides a coffin, when the grant is£5. When death occurs overseas only the£10 grant is payable. These grants are additional to the grant of£25 which is payable in most cases under the National Insurance Scheme. No changes in these arrangements are being considered.