HC Deb 26 June 1884 vol 289 cc1418-9
MR. JOHN HOLLOND

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been drawn to the recent decision of the magistrates in the case of the Peel Grove Burial Ground, Bethnal Green, by which it appears that the bye-laws made by the Metropolitan Board of Works under "The Metropolis Management Act, 1878," are inoperative to prevent the erection of houses on a burial ground, in which it is stated about 20,000 bodies were buried between 1844 and 1855; and, whether, if the Home Office has no power to prevent the scandal of building upon such ground without the removal of the bodies, the Government will give facilities for the passing of the Disused Burial Grounds Bill, which now stands for Committee?

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

, in reply, said, he understood that the Metropolitan Board had the intention of appealing against the decision in question; and he hoped, therefore, that it would not be conclusive. But if it should be so, he agreed with his hon. Friend that it would be extremely desirable that that great scandal and evil should not continue. He heartily wished success to the Disused Burial Grounds Bill, and was very sorry that it should be blocked from the usual quarter; but if there was a chance of getting on with the Bill it would be of great advantage, especially to the people of London.