§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is his best estimate of the rise in funeral costs since 1979 in Northern Ireland;
(2) what is the present level of the death grant in Northern Ireland; and what was the level of the grant in 1979;
(3) what plans there are for an increase in the death grant in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Chris PattenFuneral costs vary widely depending upon the locality and services provided and information is not available on their rise since 1979. The death grant is £30, the same as in 1979. The future of the death grant is under consideration and a statement will be made as soon as possible.