HC Deb 14 April 1927 vol 205 cc528-9
7. Colonel DAY

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department is taking any action with regard to the several complaints he has received during the last three years with reference to the waterlogged condition of Tooting Parish Church graveyard; and whether, in view of the requests from the vicar as to the flooded state of this ground, which has caused one coffin to remain exposed for over six weeks, he will give instructions to have this graveyard officially closed?

The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Chamberlain)

I have caused an investigation to be made into this matter, and am taking steps to see whether further burials in this graveyard can be stopped.

Colonel DAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what will be done if these coffins are caused to be exposed in this graveyard?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think the best thing would be to re-bury them.

Colonel Day

This is a very serious question. One poor constituent of mine had a burial a little while ago, and when a complaint was made to the Home Office she was told that the coffin could not be taken up and re-buried unless she paid further fees, which she could not afford. Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether in this case the coffin could be reinterred free of charge?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I will look into it.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Is it not a fact that this is the only subject on which the hon. Member has not hitherto asked a question.