§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to appoint an independent regulator of the funeral industry. [34411]
§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what powers he has to regulate the funeral industry; and what self-regulatory structures exist; [34423]
(2) what powers he has to limit the prices charged by the funeral industry. [34422]
Mr. John M. TaylorI have been asked to reply.
I have no powers to limit prices charged by the funeral industry. Competition is the best regulator of prices. On self-regulation, I understand that codes of practices are operated by the relevant trade associations—the National Association of Funeral Directors, the Funeral Standards Council and the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors.