§ 20. Sir M. Stoddart-Scottasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if she is aware that no burial payment is available on the death of those born before 1888; that this deficiency in the Insurance Scheme often causes hardship to elderly relatives; what would be the cost per year to rectify this deficiency: 176W and if she will consider introducing this reform.
§ Miss HerbisonDeath grant is not payable on the deaths of people who were over minimum pension age at the start of the scheme. To pay the grant in these cases would cost over £4 million a year immediately. I do not think I should be justified in reopening this question.
§ Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if she will take steps to amend the Act of 1948 so that death grants can be paid on behalf of those men and women who were borne before 5th July 1883, and 5th July 1888, respectively.
§ Miss HerbisonI would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer I gave today to the hon. and gallant Member for Ripon (Sir M. Stoddart-Scott).