HC Deb 10 May 1977 vol 931 c440W
32. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the latest figures available for the average cost of funerals and the relation of this cost to the death grant; what were the corresponding figures for 1967; and what plans he has to increase the death grant.

42. Mr. David Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will review the level of the death grant.

61. Mr. Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he proposes to increase the death grant.

Mr. Orme

Funeral costs vary widely, but the average cost at present is about £170. The £30 death grant represents some 18 per cent. of this. In 1967, when the average funeral cost about £85, the grant represented about 35 per cent. of the cost. The Government have no plans to increase the grant at present.

47. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now abolish the death grant.

Mr. Orme

No.

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