§ 21. Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress she is making in reviewing the national insurance death grant in an upward direction; and if she will make a statement.
§ 53. Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans she has to increase the death benefit.
§ Mr. MeacherThe death grant provisions are considered with other competing priorities each time benefits are reviewed for uprating purposes. But in the present difficult economic circumstances the available resources are being devoted to increasing existing benefits designed to meet day-to-day living expenses and the provision of new benefits designed to help, in particular, the disabled.