DR. CAMERONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether, after the recent judgment of Mr. Justice Stephen as to the legality of cremation, he intends to interfere administratively with cremations conducted so as not to cause a public nuisance or provoke to a breach of the peace in cases in which there is evidence that death has resulted from natural causes; and, if so, under what Law he claims the right to interfere?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTSir. I think I stated the other day that I did not care to express any opinion as to the legality of this practice; but I repeat, for reasons I have already stated, that any power that I have in the matter will 38 be used for the discouragement of a practice which, I think, for reasons I have already given, to be objectionable and repugnant to the feelings of the general community.
DR. CAMERONasked whether the right hon. and learned Gentleman had any power in the matter; and, if so, whether he intended to use it?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTThat is a subject on which I should not like to express an opinion; but if I have any such power I shall use it the manner I have stated.