§ MAJOR BANES (West Ham, E.)asked the President of the Local Government Board, If he is aware that three cemeteries are being projected in East Ham, in defiance of the Local Authorities and the residents, although there are, in the immediate neighbourhood,—namely, West Ham, Manor Park, and Forest Gate, six cemeteries already; whether he will inquire if any necessity exists for these additional cemeteries, and as to the persons by whom they are projected; and, if the proposed cemeteries are found to be unnecessary, whether the Local Government Board has any powers by which the inhabitants of the districts can be protected from the nuisance and depreciation of property which must arise from the opening of new cemeteries in addition to those already existing there?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. MATTHEWS; (Birmingham, E.)(who replied) said: I have received notice of the projected promotion of two cemeteries in East Ham. I have also received objections to their establishment from local bodies and residents. I understand that there are in the neighbourhood of East Ham numerous cemeteries which afford abundant accommodation for burials. As there is no closing order for East Ham, neither the Home Office nor the Local Government Board have any legal power to prevent the formation of the proposed cemeteries; and, therefore, it is not proposed to hold any Government inquiry into the matter.
§ MAJOR BANESasked, whether the right hon. Gentleman would consider the circumstances in connection with the Local Government Bill, with a view to the Local Authority having a voice in such a question?
§ MR. MATTHEWSYes; I think it is a question well worthy of consideration.