§ Mr. Spellerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many awards of the death grant were made in 1979 and 1980; and what was the cost to the Exchequer.
§ Mr. RossiThere were 593,082 awards of death grant in the calendar year 1979; and 454,233 awards in the first nine months of 1980. Information in respect of the period from 1 October 1980 is not yet available. Estimates of costs are based on financial years. In 1979–80 the total cost to the Exchequer, including costs of administration, was £23 million. The provisional estimate for 1980–81 is £25 million.