Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what advice he has issued to local authorities on the provision of burial places for the Muslim community. [4032]
§ Ms KeebleNo specific advice has been issued. However, under Article 5(1) of the Local Authorities Cemeteries Order 1977, burial authorities are empowered to set aside for the use of a particular denomination or religious body any part of a cemetery, which has not been consecrated. In addition, Planning Policy Guidance note 12—Development Plans, requires local authorities to consider the social needs of their area when preparing local plans and to make provision for community facilities, which could include cemeteries and crematoria.