§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will take steps to ensure that the parents of deceased children who are unable to afford the cost of undertakers are nevertheless able to provide dignified burial, together with appropriate religious ceremonial.
§ Mr. RossiI refer the hon. and learned Gentleman to the proposals set out in the consultative document issued today, which would provide significant extra help with funeral costs to people who most need it. Already under present arrangements a dignified burial, with appropriate religious ceremonial, may be arranged in appropriate cases with help from the supplementary benefit scheme, if the parents are receiving supplementary benefit; or by the area health authority if the death occurs in hospital; or by the local authority if there are no alternative means of arranging for burial.