HC Deb 14 November 1972 vol 846 cc67-8W
48. Mr. Charles R. Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is aware of the practice of communal graves operated by institutions under the authority of the Manchester Corporation Welfare Services Department, which arises from the fact that death grants are not payable in respect of patients who have no insurance records; and whether he will institute death grants in such cases.

Nottingham hospitals; and what shortages at present exist.

Mr. Alison

In terms of whole time equivalents, the following are the numbers of physiotherapists currently employed in the hospitals in the Nottingham district:

52. Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in how many institutions for the mentally handicapped and disturbed communal graves are used; and if he will make a statement.

Sir K. Joseph

Hospitals have power to meet the cost of burials and in many cases they arrange with funeral contractors for burials to take place in what are known as common or public graves. A common grave like some private graves may accommodate more than one coffin. There are statutory requirements about the overall depth and the depth of earth between coffins. Most municipal cemeteries have part of their consecrated ground set aside for such graves, and burials take place in them in a separate and individual burial service which is carried out with no less dignity and respect for the deceased than those arranged privately. Common grave burials may be arranged by relatives who are unable to afford private graves.

Death grants can be paid for mentally handicapped people with no insurance record in certain circumstances. I am writing to the hon. Members to explain the situation.