HC Deb 24 January 1979 vol 961 cc450-2
Mr. Steen

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely, the effect of the grave diggers' and crematorium operators' strike and the inability to bury the dead in Liverpool". Grave diggers and crematorium operators empolyed by the Liverpool city council went on strike today. The consequences are as repugnant as they are an outrage to human decency. Today, 106 corpses are waiting to be either buried or cremated. They are mostly stored in undertakers' chapels, but these are rapidly running out of space. With this in mind, the council had the foresight to make alternative storage arrangements by setting up a temporary mortuary at Fleming Road, Speke, in Garston. Here, bodies will be fully embalmed with the appropriate fluids, and on advice by morticians bodies will then be placed in heavy polythene bags, along with preserving crystals, and then into coffins. The coffins will be stored, not stacked, so that undertakers can make regular inspections as to the conditions of the bodies. Should there be any deterioration in the situation, the union has most generously agreed to be sympathetic and to dispose of the bodies.

Since approximately 700 bodies a month come through the city council mortuaries, the House will readily appreciate the inherent dangers. There is not only the problem of storage but there could also be a serious epidemic if the outside temperature suddenly rose. Should the strike spread to the burial and cremation grounds of religious denominations which make their own arrangements, the situation will become that much more serious. I understand that there is already disruptive action in authorities adjacent to the city council, and this will prevent any possibility of alternative schemes being implemented.

I think it right to mention that very great personal distress has already been caused to the bereaved families and friends. Further, to avoid confrontation between the mourners and pickets, services, instead of being held in cemetery chapels, are having to be conducted in churches elsewhere. The strike offends against the dignity of man and is a horrifying example of man's indifference and inhumanity to the dead.

While the city council is doing all in its power to mitigate the evils perpetrated on the people of Liverpool by this brutal and malicious strike, the situation is clearly deteriorating. What have the people of Liverpool done to deserve these evils that are now being heaped upon them?

The ambulance men will not deal with emergencies, the docks are at a standstill, unemployment is chronic, factories are closing, and now the grave diggers and crematorium operators refuse to bury the dead. It is a chilling story which should fill the people of this country with horror and shame.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Mr. Steen) gave me notice this morning that he might seek this afternoon to make an application under Standing Order No. 9.

The hon. Gentleman asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he thinks should have urgent consideration, namely, the effect of the grave diggers' and crematorium operator's strike and the inability to bury the dead in Liverpool". The hon. Gentleman has brought to the attention of the House a very serious matter. I listened to the exchanges earlier today.

As the House knows, I am not required to give reasons for my decision. I regret that I cannot agree to the hon. Gentleman's application as it does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order. Therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.

Mr. Parry

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. The hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Mr. Steen) has given a distorted and biased account of the strike in Liverpool. I hope to table an application under Standing Order No. 9 to-morrow to put the record straight.