Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cremation: Legislation

Tuesday 26 March 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Luke Evans requested an assessment of current cremation legislation and highlighted the need for a more comprehensive review, which the Law Commission will undertake soon.
  • Luke Evans inquired about the possibility of the Minister meeting with Joseph Barsby to discuss regulatory improvements for funeral directors and ensuring their input is considered.
  • Emma Hardy asked the Minister to provide timeframes for regulatory changes and to encourage trade bodies to implement voluntary regulation until formal rules are in place.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Environment
Context

The primary legislation on cremation dates back to 1902, which raises concerns about its adequacy. The Law Commission has agreed to consider the law governing cremation as part of a project on burial and funerary methods.

Question

What assessment has been made of the adequacy of legislation on cremation? Given developments since 1902, there is a need for a more comprehensive review. The Law Commission's project on cremation law will commence soon.

Answer from Mike Freer

The law on cremation has been updated when needed, such as the 2008 cremation regulations. However, primary legislation dates back to 1902. A more comprehensive review is needed, and the Law Commission project will commence soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The adequacy of current legislation was not directly assessed

How: Updated When Needed

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Q2 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Context

There are concerns about the regulation of funeral directors, especially following incidents in Hull. Joseph Barsby from G. Seller Funeral Directors seeks ways to improve the system.

Question

Will the Minister meet with Joseph Barsby to discuss improving the regulatory framework for funeral directors? Failing a meeting, will there be a way for funeral directors to contribute ideas on how to improve the system?

Answer from Mike Freer

Work has already started on a call for evidence regarding the regulation of funeral director sector, and views from any firm will be fed in. The Minister is willing to meet with G. Seller Funeral Directors.

Answered
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Q3 Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Business Compliance
Context

The Minister has been engaged with the hon. Member regarding Legacy funeral directors in Hull, highlighting the need for statutory regulation.

Question

Could the Minister speak about timeframes for regulatory changes and encourage voluntary regulation by trade bodies until formal rules are implemented?

Answer from Mike Freer

A call for evidence will commence in the next few months, following public consultation. The Minister is meeting trade bodies today to discuss voluntary inspections and ensuring public confidence in funeral directors.

Answered
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