§ SIR GEORGE JENKINSONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If his attention has been directed to the numerous churchyards in England which are full, and therefore unfit for further interment in them; also, that the number of these is constantly increasing, without any adequate remedy to abate this evil being applied by the parishes so circumstanced; whether he 307 will grant a Return, in a tabulated form, of the various parishes in which the above is the case; and, whether the Government intend taking any, and, if so, what steps without delay to compel the parishes, where such a state of things exists, to provide a remedy by the enlargement of the existing churchyards or otherwise?
MR. ASSHETON CROSSSir, I have no doubt a considerable number of churchyards in England are very full. Some time ago the Government wished to have a very accurate Return; but it was found such a Return would not cost less than £ 5,000, and we did not think ourselves justified in putting the public to that expense. Certain Returns, however, have been made which there will be no objection to lay on the Table. I have no power when a churchyard is full to order a parish to enlarge it; or to close it; but I hope that this question will in future be treated as a sanitary matter, and that something will be done to remedy the inconvenience complained of.