Written question asked by Lord Willetts (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 March 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 May 2002. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Monday, 20 May 2002 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much has been spent on contributions towards funeral costs from the Social Fund in each of the past five years; what was the average payment; and how much it would cost to reimburse clergymen for the fees in addition to other current costs; how many grants towards funeral expenses have been paid from the Social Fund in each of the past five years; and how many have subsequently been reclaimed. - Inc ref to Annual Reports on the Social Fund 1996-97 to 2000-01 for Social Fund funeral payments, copies of the reports in Library.

Secondary information