§ MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by whose authority the grave of John Baskerville was opened, and for what purpose; and whether such practices will be prohibited in future?
§ MR. ASQUITHI am informed that the space numbered 521 in the catacombs under the church was opened by the directions of the vicar and churchwardens, with the object of identifying the remains in the coffin. It is alleged that the original interment was illegal, as there is no entry in the burial register nor any headstone in front of the catacomb, as is usually the case, and doubts existed as to whether the body was in the coffin. The examination proved, I believe, that the remains were those of the printer, John Baskerville, who died 120 years ago. The coffin was replaced before the vicar and churchwardens left the catacombs, and the space his been 450 enclosed with bricks and mortar. In these circumstances, although the vicar and church wardens may have acted without legal authority, I do not think that the public interest requires that I should take any steps in the matter.
§ MR. BARTLEYAre we to understand that it is strictly illegal for a grave to be opened in this way and publicly exhibited, as this was, and should not the authority to open a grave come from the Home Secretary?
§ MR. ASQUITHCertainly; that is my opinion.