Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if the Government will make an assessment of the potential effect of implementing similar legislation to the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016 in England and Wales.

As set out in my response on 25 November (UIN 76571 and 76572), the reuse of burial space is a sensitive issue and any changes need careful consideration. We continue to work closely with stakeholders to build a national picture and welcome any information from burial providers about the circumstances in their area.

The Law Commission, as part of its programme of law reform, will be considering the modernising and streamlining of the law governing the disposal of human remains, with a view to putting forward a legal framework for the future. Further information on the project can be found at:

https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/a-modern-framework-for-disposing-of-the-dead/