asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the current rate for the funeral grant was last changed; and if he will increase the grant in view of the current high level of the cost of funerals.

The death grant was increased to its current standard rate of £30 in 1967. We are now considering what, if any, action should be taken with regard to the grant in the light of the public response to the proposals we put forward in the consultative document.