§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what financial incentives exist to encourage the use of ecologically-friendly green burials involving the use of freeze-drying human remains and burying them in environmentally-friendly coffins. [178712]
§ Paul GogginsThe Government believe that the public should have a realistic and fair choice in the funeral arrangements for their relatives, and it does not therefore, provide financial incentives for one form of disposal over another. However, as outlined in the current consultation exercise "Burial law and policy in the 21st Century: the need for a sensitive and sustainable approach", sustainability is an important issue. We understand that the system of freeze-drying remains is still awaiting approval for use in Sweden, where the system was created. Nevertheless, the development of alternatives to the traditional choices of burial or1512W cremation, and particularly alternatives which are more environmentally friendly, should be given careful consideration.