§ 32. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimates are available of the cost of paying a death grant of £100, £150 and £175; what would be the additional costs of making eligible for these grants the older people who are outside the existing scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeThe information is as follows:
Rate of death grant Additional annual cost £ million £100 35 £150 60 £175 72½ To pay a grant at these levels to those elderly people at present ineligible for a grant would cost an extra £4 million, £6 million and £7 million a year respectively for the first few years. To pay the full grant at these levels to those elderly people who at present qualify for only a half-rate grant would cost a further £7 million, £10½ million and £12 million a year respectively.
As regards the present level of the grant, I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Cardiff, North (Mr. Grist) on 7th February.—[Vol. 943, c. 537.]
§ 33. Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will set up an inquiry to establish the amount 370W of hardship created by the low level of the death grant.
§ Mr. OrmeNo. I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Cardiff, North (Mr. Grist) on 7th February.—[Vol. 943, c.537.]