§ MR. T. WAYMAN (York, W. R., Elland)On behalf of the hon. Member for the Holmfirth Division of the West Riding of York, Mr. HENRY J. WILSON, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he is aware that at the recent burial, with a Nonconformist service, of Mr. William Simpson, in the churchyard of Bishop Monkton, near Ripon, the sexton was not in attendance, and the main entrance was closed against the funeral party, which had to enter by a side gate which is but rarely used; and, whether he can take steps to prevent a repetition of such an occurrence?
§ SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEYI have made inquiry and am informed that the sexton properly fulfilled the duties which were required of him—namely, to dig the grave, and to be ready to fill it in at the close of the service. I am also told that it was the main entrance, and not a side gate, which was used on the occasion of Mr. Simpson's funeral; and that the main entrance leads directly into the burial-ground, while the entrance by the side gate, though more commonly used as leading to the church door, was not needed on this occasion, when no service was held in the church. I have no authority to interfere in the matter.