HC Deb 14 December 1977 vol 941 cc227-8W
Mr. George

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the arrangements for burials or cremations of patients who die in National Health Service hospitals who have no personal resources, whose relatives cannot be traced or whose relatives cannot afford the costs of burial.

Mr. Deakins

My Department has asked health authorities to arrange and pay for the burial or cremation of patients who die in National Health Service hospitals in these circumstances. I am not aware of any difficulties having arisen and I am satisfied with these arrangements.