§ 37. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that bodies have been interred in wrong graves at the Wandsworth Borough Council's Streatham Cemetery, in Garratt Lane, Tooting, and that, when complaints have been made, graves have been disturbed and the coffins transferred without authority from the Home Office; whether he has received a request from the Wandsworth Trades Council asking him to hold a public inquiry into the state of affairs that exist at this cemetery; and what has been his decision?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am informed by the responsible local authority that the matter has been investigated by a committee who are satisfied that no bodies or coffins have been moved without the authority either of a Secretary of State's licence or a bishop's faculty. I have received a resolution from the Wandsworth Trades Council asking for an inquiry into the administration of the cemetery. This is not within my jurisdiction but is a matter for the Minister of Health.
§ Mr. DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, since the first investigation, the superintendent and the foreman of the cemetery have resigned; and does that fact bear out the reply which he received in regard to this matter?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI was not aware of that fact. It was not mentioned in the paper in question; otherwise, I would have made inquiries.
§ Mr. DAYWill the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the Wandsworth Borough Council to see whether it is a fact or not; and, if it is a fact, does he not consider that there is substantial ground for this question?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI must first ascertain whether it is a fact or not. If it is, the application of the fact will be a matter for my consideration.