§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the present death benefit social security scale if it was restored to the real price of 1948.
§ Mr. OrmeOn the basis of the movement in the General Index of Retail Prices to September 1977, the latest month for which a figure is available, the present equivalent of the death grant of £20 introduced in July 1949 is £114.44.
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§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the death grant of £30 was fixed at its present rate; if he has any plans to review the rate of grant in view of the present level of funeral charges; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeThe grant was increased to its present rate in 1967 and, since 1974, the present Government have kept it under review. We consider however that, within the resources at present available for improving our social security provisions, priority must be given to pensions and other regular weekly benefits.