§ Mr. Banksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the years in which the rate of death grant paid by his Department has risen since its inception.
§ Mr. DeakinsSince it first became payable in 1949, the death grant has been increased twice, in 1958 and in 1967.
§ Mr. Banksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the costs of burial for which death grants would apply in each of the years since 1967.
§ Mr. DeakinsDeath grant is a sum payable on the death of an insured person and does not relate specifically to the costs of burial. My Department does not maintain a record of burial costs, but I understand the average cost is at present about £170, whereas in 1967 it was about £85.