42 and 53. Mr. BOWER MANasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether any provision is to be made in the Established Church (Wales) Bill for the maintenance of the ancient churchyards in the Principality; and (2) whether, in the Established Church (Wales) Bill, any provision is to be made and who will be responsible for the maintenance of the ancient churchyards in the Principality.
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)Burial grounds of ecclesiastical parishes other than those which are the proceeds of private benefactions will, after the determination of the existing incumbencies, be transferred. Firstly, in cases where the burial grounds are situated in areas in which the Burial Acts are in force, or in which burial grounds have 1659 been provided tinder the Public Health (Interments) Act, 1879, or a local Act, to the burial authorities; or, if the Welsh Commissioners think fit, to trustees on behalf of the burial authorities. Secondly, in cases where the burial grounds are situated in rural parishes in which the Burial Acts are not in force, to the parish councils, or, if no such council exist, they will be vested in the chairman of the parish meeting and the overseers of the parish; and, thirdly, in any other cases, to the council of the borough or urban district in which the burial ground is situated. These respective bodies will, of course, be liable for the maintenance of the burial grounds transferred to them, as if they were burial grounds provided under the Burial Acts. All burial grounds closed before the date of Disestablishment will be transferred to the representative body of the Church if they so request.