§ Mr. TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, how many death grants were given in the year 1986–87 and at what cost; how many funeral payments were paid during the year 1987–88 and at what cost; how many funeral payments have been made, so far, in the current financial year and at what cost; how much of the amount paid out in the current financial year is due to be repaid to the social fund; and how much has been repaid.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe information is as follows:
Type of payment Number of payments Amount paid £ 1986–87 Death grants 585,335 17,560,050 1987–88 Funeral payments 36,986 16,185,943 1988–89 Funeral payments to 31 October 1988 19,129 9,331,130 Funeral payments are recoverable from the estate, if any, of the deceased. Up to 31 October 1988 a total of £196,487 has been recovered.