§ Mr. Stallardasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations he has now received on his death grant consultative document; of these, how many support one or other of his proposals; and how many reject them all.
§ Mr. RossiAt 28 July we had received 341 comments on which 101 support one or more of the proposals, 187 reject them and 53 are uncommitted to any specific proposal.
§ Mr. Charles R. Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what response he has received to his consultative document on the death grant; and when he expects to announce Her Majesty's Government's decisions on this issue;
(2) when he expects to be able to announce his policy decisions on the consultative document relating to the death grant.
§ Mr. RossiI refer the right hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for St. Pancras, North (Mr. Stallard) today. Of the 341 comments received, 139 arrived on or after 19 July and the flow continues. We would not wish to reach any decision until we have fully considered all comments including any which are received in the next few days. I shall make an announcement as soon as it is practicable to do so.