MR. HERBERT LEWIS, &c) (FlintI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that within the last few mouths graves have been opened in the St. Asaph Cemetery in which the coffins are respectively interred within 15 inches, 18 inches, and two feet six inches from the surface; and whether any minimum depth at which coffins must be interred is prescribed by public authority; if not, whether he will take steps to have a minimum depth prescribed?
§ MR. ASQUITHI have not yet been able to ascertain whether the facts are as stated in the question, but the Inspector will visit the place as soon as possible. The cemetery appears to be a private one, not at present under the authority of the Secretary of State; but by the regulations under which it is conducted, no interment can take place unless a space of four feet is allowed between the top of the coffin and the surface, and the vicar informs me that he has repeatedly called the sexton's attention to the regulations. If I find it necessary I will take steps to have the cemetery placed under the Home Office Regulations, under which no coffin can be buried within four feet of the ordinary level of the ground, unless it contains the body of a child under 12 years, when it shall not be less than three feet below that level.