Asked by: Alexander Stafford (Conservative - Rother Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he has made an assessment of the (a) adequacy and (b) effectiveness of self-regulation within the funeral sector.
Answered by Mike Freer
We have accepted that some form of regulation of the funeral sector is required. My officials have therefore been working on a plan to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the self-regulation regimes introduced by the two main representative bodies, and to launch a call for evidence.
The call for evidence will be launched before summer recess and will gather views on what type of regulation is appropriate and proportionate. Following this, we will develop and consult on proposals for the regulation of the sector. There are a number of possible routes for regulation including introducing an independent regulator. It is too early at this stage to say which is most appropriate.
I have discussed the regulation of the Funeral Sector with cabinet colleagues, and am working particularly closely with Minister Hoare on the short-term response to the tragic events in Hull and East Rising.
Asked by: Alexander Stafford (Conservative - Rother Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he has had at recent discussions with cabinet colleagues on the regulation of the funeral sector.
Answered by Mike Freer
We have accepted that some form of regulation of the funeral sector is required. My officials have therefore been working on a plan to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the self-regulation regimes introduced by the two main representative bodies, and to launch a call for evidence.
The call for evidence will be launched before summer recess and will gather views on what type of regulation is appropriate and proportionate. Following this, we will develop and consult on proposals for the regulation of the sector. There are a number of possible routes for regulation including introducing an independent regulator. It is too early at this stage to say which is most appropriate.
I have discussed the regulation of the Funeral Sector with cabinet colleagues, and am working particularly closely with Minister Hoare on the short-term response to the tragic events in Hull and East Rising.
Asked by: Alexander Stafford (Conservative - Rother Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make it his policy to set up an independent regulator for the funeral sector.
Answered by Mike Freer
We have accepted that some form of regulation of the funeral sector is required. My officials have therefore been working on a plan to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the self-regulation regimes introduced by the two main representative bodies, and to launch a call for evidence.
The call for evidence will be launched before summer recess and will gather views on what type of regulation is appropriate and proportionate. Following this, we will develop and consult on proposals for the regulation of the sector. There are a number of possible routes for regulation including introducing an independent regulator. It is too early at this stage to say which is most appropriate.
I have discussed the regulation of the Funeral Sector with cabinet colleagues, and am working particularly closely with Minister Hoare on the short-term response to the tragic events in Hull and East Rising.
Asked by: Alexander Stafford (Conservative - Rother Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will take steps to consult on the regulation of the funeral sector.
Answered by Mike Freer
We have accepted that some form of regulation of the funeral sector is required. My officials have therefore been working on a plan to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the self-regulation regimes introduced by the two main representative bodies, and to launch a call for evidence.
The call for evidence will be launched before summer recess and will gather views on what type of regulation is appropriate and proportionate. Following this, we will develop and consult on proposals for the regulation of the sector. There are a number of possible routes for regulation including introducing an independent regulator. It is too early at this stage to say which is most appropriate.
I have discussed the regulation of the Funeral Sector with cabinet colleagues, and am working particularly closely with Minister Hoare on the short-term response to the tragic events in Hull and East Rising.
Asked by: Alexander Stafford (Conservative - Rother Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what advice his Department provides on the legal protections available to householders that use force to defend themselves or their property from an intruder.
Answered by Edward Argar
The Ministry of Justice does not issue advice on criminal offences or defences. Responsibility for operational guidance on such matters are the responsibility of the individual criminal justice agencies.
Where there is legislative change made by the Ministry of Justice, it will circulate an explanation of the changes that have been made but this does not constitute legal advice. A circular was published on 26 April 2013 on the “use of force in self-defence at place of residence” outlining the legislative changes that were to be made to it by section 148 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 and section 43 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013. The circular is available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/192945/self-defence-circular.pdf.
Asked by: Alexander Stafford (Conservative - Rother Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of guidance by the Government on the use of reasonable force for (a) self-defence, (b) defence of another, (c) defence of property and (d) the prevention of crime.
Answered by Edward Argar
The Ministry of Justice does not issue advice on criminal offences or defences. Responsibility for operational guidance on such matters are the responsibility of the individual criminal justice agencies.
Where there is legislative change made by the Ministry of Justice, it will circulate an explanation of the changes that have been made but this does not constitute legal advice. A circular was published on 26 April 2013 on the “use of force in self-defence at place of residence” outlining the legislative changes that were to be made to it by section 148 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 and section 43 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013. The circular is available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/192945/self-defence-circular.pdf.
Asked by: Alexander Stafford (Conservative - Rother Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what advice his Department provides on what constitutes reasonable self-defence for householders defending their property from intruders.
Answered by Edward Argar
The Ministry of Justice does not issue advice on criminal offences or defences. Responsibility for operational guidance on such matters are the responsibility of the individual criminal justice agencies.
Where there is legislative change made by the Ministry of Justice, it will circulate an explanation of the changes that have been made but this does not constitute legal advice. A circular was published on 26 April 2013 on the “use of force in self-defence at place of residence” outlining the legislative changes that were to be made to it by section 148 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 and section 43 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013. The circular is available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/192945/self-defence-circular.pdf.
Asked by: Alexander Stafford (Conservative - Rother Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to prevent funerals from being cancelled because plots have not been properly prepared.
Answered by Mike Freer
I have received no representations on the management of cemeteries by Dignity in Rotherham and have had no discussions with local authorities regarding contracts for funeral provision.
The Government expects all burial authorities to adhere to the framework of legislation and guidance for the management of burial grounds. This includes the Guide for burial ground managers which supports best practice, including in relation to the preparation of graves. The Government also expects funeral providers to adhere to the standards, codes of conduct and best practice established by the sector’s representative bodies.
Asked by: Alexander Stafford (Conservative - Rother Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what representations he has received on the management of cemeteries by Dignity in Rotherham; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Mike Freer
I have received no representations on the management of cemeteries by Dignity in Rotherham and have had no discussions with local authorities regarding contracts for funeral provision.
The Government expects all burial authorities to adhere to the framework of legislation and guidance for the management of burial grounds. This includes the Guide for burial ground managers which supports best practice, including in relation to the preparation of graves. The Government also expects funeral providers to adhere to the standards, codes of conduct and best practice established by the sector’s representative bodies.
Asked by: Alexander Stafford (Conservative - Rother Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the Government has had discussions with local authorities on the adequacy of funeral service supplier contracts with local authorities.
Answered by Mike Freer
I have received no representations on the management of cemeteries by Dignity in Rotherham and have had no discussions with local authorities regarding contracts for funeral provision.
The Government expects all burial authorities to adhere to the framework of legislation and guidance for the management of burial grounds. This includes the Guide for burial ground managers which supports best practice, including in relation to the preparation of graves. The Government also expects funeral providers to adhere to the standards, codes of conduct and best practice established by the sector’s representative bodies.