HC Deb 03 March 1964 vol 690 c1104
11. Mr. C. Johnson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs when he intends to introduce legislation to consolidate, simplify and improve the law relating to burial and cremation.

Mr. Corfield

My right hon. Friend is not intending to introduce legislation, but in accordance with an undertaking given in another place a Bill is in preparation to be handed to the noble Lord, Lord Colville of Culross, in place of the Bill which he withdrew. It is hoped that this Bill, which will simplify and amend the law relating to burial and cremation, will be ready before the end of the year.

Mr. Johnson

Are we to understand by that reply that the Government will do all they can to expedite the Bill through another place? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Federation of British Cremation Authorities and other interested bodies have been pressing increasingly for legislation? It was understood that the Government had undertaken to introduce their own legislation when Lord Colville withdrew his Bill in another place.

Mr. Corfield

I do not think it matters very much who introduces the legislation as long as we get it. This is an immensely complicated subject and a great deal of consultation will be necessary before we can produce a final draft.

Mr. Buck

May we have an assurance that the Bill will cover closed church-yards and burial grounds, which are heavy obligations, especially for parish councils?

Mr. Corfield

That subject will be considered in the consultations but I cannot guarantee now that it will be included in the Bill.

Mr. M. Stewart

Will the hon. Gentleman guarantee that these improved arrangements for burial will be completed before the lifetime of the present Government comes to an end?

Mr. Corfield

From experience in Committees, I think that would be unwise.