§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to prevent repetition of the recent accident at the Solihull crematorium involving a radioactive heart pacemaker.
§ Mr. EnnalsNo corpse containing a nuclear-powered pacemaker has been cremated in this country. Such pacemakers are designed to withstand cremation but special arrangements ensure that the bearers are identifiable at all times and that they and their relatives accept the need for recovery of the pacemakers after death. My Department is currently preparing regulations governing the use of such pacemakers.
The incident at Solihull involved a mercury cell pacemaker. After consultation with the Home Office, the Health 291W and Safety Executive and my Department, the Federation of British Cremation Authorities circulated to its members for attachment to the cremation form a pro forma designed to ascertain whether the deceased had been fitted with a pacemaker and whether it had been removed.
My Department is considering what further guidance can be issued on the removal of pacemakers after death.