HC Deb 13 April 1984 vol 58 cc418-9W
Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will detail the procedure followed when a medical referee of a crematorium authority is dismissed by him.

Mr. Mellor

Generally speaking, the appointment of a medical referee is revoked when a new medical referee is nominated by the cremation authority (because the existing medical referee has moved to another area, retired or died) and no special procedure is necessary. Where a cremation authority wishes to have the existing medical referee's appointment revoked on other grounds, the circumstances are carefully considered on their merits and, where appropriate, representations from the existing medical referee are sought and considered.

Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether political views are taken into account when considering the appointment or dismissal of a medical referee to a crematorium authority.

Mr. Mellor

No.

Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if medical referees are required to attend the crematorium on a daily basis.

Mr. Mellor

This is a matter for the cremation authority concerned.

Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will detail the changes in circumstances which would render a person, appointed by him, unfit to continue in the post of medical referee of a crematorium authority under regulation 10 of the Cremation Regulations 1930.

Mr. Mellor

Regulation 10 of the Cremation Regulations 1930 deals with the appointment of a medical referee or his deputy. In general we take the view that a person appointed under this regulation might become unfit to continue as medical referee by reason of not being prepared to comply with reasonable conditions laid down by the cremation authority for the performance of his duties, or through inability, misbehaviour or gross negligence, though this list is not necessarily exhaustive.

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