§ Mr. Dunlopasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes have taken place in the death grant over the past 10 years; and what proportion of the average cost of a funeral this grant has represented over the period.
§ Mr. CarterIn October 1967 the maximum rate of death grant payable was increased from £25 to the present £30. Funeral costs vary widely, but the average cost in Northern Ireland at present is about £165. The grant represents some 18 per cent. of this. In 1967, when the average cost was about £55, the grant of £30 represented about 54 per cent. of the cost.