§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider the law on disposal of human bodies to be sufficiently clear; and on what public authority website executors and next of kin may check on their duties. [HL3108]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)The Government are satisfied that the law governing the different methods available for the disposal of human bodies in England and Wales is clear, while recognising that these methods are subject to separate legislation, principally the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1926, the Cremation Act 1902, the Anatomy Act 1984 and, in certain circumstances, the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985.
Information about the disposal of human remains, and other responsibilities arising following a death, can be obtained from the Ukonline website www.ukonline.gov.uk under the death and bereavement life event. The websites of the Home Office, Office for National Statistics and the Department for Work and Pensions also contain relevant guidance.