§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is satisfied with the charges made by doctors for cremation certificates.
§ Dr. OwenDoctors, whether in hospital or general practice, are not required by their terms of service to give the second certificate on a cremation form. If they do provide such a certificate they are entitled to charge fees. The amount of any fee is a private matter between the relatives and the doctor, but I understand that the British Medical Association gives guidance to doctors on the level of fees regarded as reasonable for this purpose. I understand that the currently recommended fee is £4.45 and was approved by the Price Commission.
§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the administration of cremation certificates will be included within the National Health Service.
§ Dr. OwenNo. The decision to undertake cremation instead of burial is a private matter for the relatives of the deceased. It is not appropriate, therefore, that certification for cremation purposes should be a function of the National Health Service.