§ 8. Mr. Reevesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why he will not give instructions to the British Government's representative on the Commission of Human Rights to promote the inclusion of a clause in the Covenants giving human beings the right to decide the method of the disposal of their bodies after death, including that of cremation.
§ Mr. TurtonThe Human Rights Commission has already completed its work on the draft Covenants. Her Majesty's Government do not consider the matter suitable for inclusion in an international agreement, since it would conflict with various religious practices as well as climatic and other local circumstances.
§ Mr. ReevesIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that there are certain Articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which similarly conflict with religious or national views and that the idea of the Covenants is to widen the area of freedom. Surely the British Government are interested in that proposition?
§ Mr. TurtonYes, Sir, but I am very doubtful whether the question of the disposal of one's body after death can be strictly regarded as a universal, fundamental right.