§ Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of the difficulties in establishing the proper criteria for the Sheffield Cemetery Bill, if he will now instigate a wide inquiry amongst local authorities, and report on the needs for crematoria and cemeteries, both public and private, and their conduct, operation, maintenance and closure for the remainder of this century.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettI am not satisfied the Sheffield General Cemetery Bill has 553W demonstrated the need for an inquiry of the kind suggested by the hon. Member. The problems of the Sheffield General Cemetery, whilst not unique, stem from its lack of maintenance and from the provisions of the Sheffield General Cemetery Act 1845, and the terms under which the Sheffield City Council would propose to acquire the cemetery in accordance with the Bill's provisions.