MR. WHALLEYsaid, he begged to ask whether any, and what, steps have been taken on the part of the Government to put in operation the Act of last Session for closing burial grounds in the metropolis; and whether any measure is in contemplation for correcting the evils of intramural interment throughout the country. In the Report of the Board of Health it was stated that the cholera might be expected again to become prevalent in the ensuing summer; and that these graveyards would in all probability be the principal seats of the pestilence.
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONsaid, he wished to state that, feeling deeply impressed with the importance of carrying into effect the provisions of the Act passed last year, he had given instructions by which a member of the Board of Health was inspecting all the graveyards in the metropolis; and as fast as his Reports were received, he (Viscount Palmerston) had taken the necessary steps under the Act for obtaining Orders in Council for shutting all such as were reported unfit for use. Judging from what had already taken place, he should expect that within a short period all the graveyards in the metropolis would be declared improper for the purposes of interment. At present there were no powers in the hands of the Government relating to the country; and it 450 would be subject for consideration whether in the course of the present Session it world not be expedient to ask the House to give them powers with respect to the provinces similar to those which they already possessed in the metropolis.