asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what analysis he has made of the extent to which it would be possible to increase the level of the death grant if it were restricted to those in real need of it.

This is one of the many aspects of the death grant which we are currently considering. It is difficult to give a precise answer since this turns on the definition of real need. If the death grant were paid only where those incurring funeral expenses were in receipt of certain benefits related to need—for example, supplementary benefit or family income supplement—it would be possible for the grant to be raised to over £100 without incurring additional expenditure

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Isle of Ely (Mr. Freud) on 22 November, Official Report, Volume 974, column 318, when he expects to make an announcement about his proposals on the death grant.

My right hon. Friend and I have not yet completed our consideration of the death grant. We shall make an announcement as soon as possible.