asked the Minister of Social Security if, in view of the relatively small sums involved, she will now take steps to allow death grants to be paid to the surviving spouse on the death of a husband or wife born before 5th July, 1883 and 5th July, 1888, respectively.

My right hon. Friend would not be justified in extending in this way the age conditions laid down in the transitional arrangements introducing this benefit in 1948. These were examined in 1956 by the National Insurance Advisory Committee who concluded that in general the arrangements were generous and saw no sufficient reason for further concessions. My right hon. Friend has examined this matter and has come to the conclusion that the advice given by the Advisory Committee still holds good today.