13 November 2007
The cremation and burial industries were told today that modernising cremation regulations will help the bereaved.
Modernising cremation regulations will help the bereaved, the cremation and burial industries were told today at an international conference.
The regulations are expected to come into effect next year, Justice Minister Bridget Prentice told the 'International Conference on cremation and burial' in Gateshead. The proposals follow a consultation launched in July this year.
A key proposal put forward to close a loophole that allowed Harold Shipman to avoid detection for so long is the right of families to inspect the medical forms of a loved one before cremation is authorised.
Other recommendations include a single system of death certification as well as the need to improve the public health oversight of causes of death.
Bridget Prentice said:
The death of a loved one has a profound impact on bereaved family and friends. These proposals, which will help improve the services all bereaved people get, are therefore extremely important.
The Government also remains committed to reform of the coroner system. We hope to bring a Coroners Bill before Parliament as soon as time allows. However, other more immediate measures that we can take forward now include strengthening coroners' powers to make reports to prevent future deaths as well as closer work with the Press Complaints Commission in the reporting of inquests.
Notes to Editors:
1. Bridget Prentice delivered a speech at the 'International Cremation and Burial Conference and Exhibition 2007' at Gateshead on 13 November. The event was organised by 'The Cremation Society of Great Britain' and was largely participated by cremation organisations and other death care organisations.
2. A 13-week public consultation on the modernisation of Cremation Regulations ended on 22 October 2007. The consultation paper 'Cremation Regulations, Consolidation and Modernisation' can be accessed at http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/cp1107.htm
3. Responses to the consultation continue to be analysed and further discussions with members of the cremation industry are due to take place.
4. The new proposals would consolidate the existing cremation regulations which date back to 1930 and are seen by many as antiquated and confusing.
5. Dame Janet Smith's Third Shipman Inquiry Report made it clear that many of the forms Harold Shipman completed were completely inaccurate. Had family members been able to draw the medical referee's attention to concerns about unexpected symptoms or features of the case, murders could have been stopped earlier.
6. The Coroners Bill has undergone pre-legislative scrutiny and full consultation. It is ready to be introduced to Parliament when parliamentary time allows.
END
Media enquiries on this news release should be directed to Michael Duncan, Ministry of Justice press office. Tel: 020 7210 8803