HC Deb 20 May 1852 vol 121 cc850-1
LORD JOHN MANNERS

moved for leave to bring in a Bill to amend the laws concerning the Burial of the Dead in the Metropolis. At that late hour of the night he would not enter into any details of the measure, but would merely say that it would provide, first, for the closing of the burial grounds within the metropolis, and secondly, for forming burial grounds beyond the metropolitan boundaries for the reception of the dead. At a future stage he would enter more fully into the details.

MR. WAKLEY

said, that as far as he could understand the Bill from the few words of explanation the noble Lord had given, the present measure appeared to be the same as the one which had been so unsatisfactory in its results. He hoped full information would be given as to the nature and provisions of the Bill before any stage in it were taken.

MR. STANFORD

trusted that the Bill would be laid on the table at a time when a full explanation of the objects and details could be given and discussed.

VISCOUNT EBRINGTON

said, it was not to be denied that the evils of the present system of intramural interments were notorious, but they were not more so than when the late Government with so much confidence brought in the Bill. It was true, that Bill had failed; but it was to be regretted that a full explanation of the causes of the failure had never been given; but he hoped there would be an opportunity afforded in the consideration of the present Bill to have those causes fully stated and discussed. He must say that nothing could be more unsatisfactory than the conduct of the late Government in respect to that Bill.

LORD SEYMOUR

said, he should be quite prepared when the subject came under discussion to defend the conduct of the late Government, so far as it related to the department with which he had been connected, in regard to the measure to which his noble Friend had alluded. That measure had failed without doubt, but it was because the Government were misled by the Board of Health. It was in consequence of reliance on their assurances that they could raise the money for carrying out the measure, when they had not the means of doing so. He hoped the House would allow the Bill to be brought in, that it might be fairly considered.

Bill ordered to be brought in by Lord John Manners and Mr. Secretary Wal-pole.

The House adjourned at a quarter before Two o'clock.