§ 25. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he has yet completed his consultations about amending the law relating to burial and cremation; and when the proposed Bill will be introduced.
§ Mr. CorfieldThe answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir".
On the second part, I hope that the Bill, which will apply to England and Wales, will be ready before the end of the year. As the hon. and learned Member is aware, the intention is to hand it to the noble Lord, Lord Colville of Culross, in place of the one which he withdrew last year.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Minister realise that his shocking delay in this urgent matter concerning life and death is causing serious inconvenience to citizens and local authorities in a variety of ways and to the relatives of those who cannot avoid death any more than the rest of us?
§ Mr. CorfieldI have no doubt that that will be the concern of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.