§ Dr. Glynasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his latest estimate of the number of people who are ineligible for the death grant because of their age;and what would be the potential cost of making them eligible for the grant.
§ Mr. RossiIt is estimated that in 1981–82 there will be about 16, 000 deaths among people for whom no death grant is payable because they were over 65—men—and 60—women—on 5 July 1948. A further 103, 000 deaths are eligible only for payment of grant at the half-rate because of the deceased person's age in 1948. If all such deaths attracted grant at the full £30 rate the extra cost would be a little over £2 million in 1981–82. The estimated total number of elderly people ineligible for the full rate of death grant at the end of 1981 was 640, 000, of whom 50, 000 had no entitlement. The extra cost of paying a £30 grant in all such cases would be about £11½ million.