§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will specify the circle of relatives embraced by the term "near-relative" regarding which national insurance contribution records can be taken into account for qualification for payment of a death grant, and if he will extend the circle of relatives covered to include a son-in-law.
§ Mr. DeanWhen a handicapped adult dies death grant may be paid provided the contribution tests are satisfied by parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, brothers or sisters, whether full, half or step-, and including also persons who, by adoption, have entered any such relationship. My right hon. Friend has no proposals for extension.