§ 32. Mr. McKinlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that Regional Hospital Boards are calling upon local sanitary authorities under section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, to undertake the burial, as unclaimed bodies, of persons who have died in hospital and who are without relatives; and whether he will arrange for hospital boards to undertake this duty by virtue of the powers as to hospital services vested in him by Section 3 of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act, 1947.
§ Mr. WoodburnLocal authorities for many years have had a duty, restated in the section of the National Assistance Act to which the hon. Member refers, to bury unclaimed bodies. They are therefore familiar with the procedure involved. It seems desirable that hospital authorities should, as in the past, invoke this machinery, rather than themselves attempt to handle the few cases that occur in hospitals.
§ Mr. McKinlayWith regard to the disposal of these dead bodies as unclaimed, is it not the case that the hospital authorities direct these sick persons to hospitals within the jurisdiction of the local authorities, the persons concerned having no option, and, therefore, when they die, should not the hospital authorities remove the bodies?
§ Mr. WoodburnMy hon. Friend is referring to a very sad ceremony, and one which, I hope, will not be a matter for argument among local authorities. It would appear to be a necessary duty that the person should be properly buried.