§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to ensure that(a) a higher proportion or (b) all funeral expenses of those receiving social security benefit are met by the state. [34404]
§ Mr. Roger EvansWe have no plans to do so. However, all aspects of the benefits system are kept under review.
§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the effect of the new system of social fund funeral payments on prices and costs in the funeral industry. [34421]
§ Mr. EvansIt is estimated that the social fund funeral payments scheme accounted for 10 per cent. of all funerals in Great Britain in 1995. The restriction in the level of payment made is presumed to have had an effect upon the market.