§ Mr. LansleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received concerning the regulation of the United Kingdom funeral industry; and if he will make a statement. [53040]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 28 July 1998]: During the course of discussions with interested parties on the measures to regulate pre-payment funeral plans, the Department has received representations concerning regulation of the "at need" funeral industry. We have called upon the industry to raise standards of consumer services. I do not believe that registration of funeral directors is warranted or justified. I have every confidence that funeral directors are, on the whole, offering high standards of service and believe that it would be unfair to burden them with the additional costs of regulation.
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