asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of his Department's report to the Committee on the Sheffield Cemetery Bill, and matters not available during the preparation of that Bill or for Second Reading, if he will now publish a circular to local authorities clearly indicating their responsibilities for the conduct, setting up, running and maintenance, and closure of both public and private cemeteries.

Advice about burial authorities' functions under the Local Government Act 1972 and the Local Authorities' Cemeteries Orders 1974 and 1977 has been given to local authorities in my Department's circulars 56/74 and 22/77. I am sending the hon. Member copies of both circulars.Local authorities are not responsible for the conduct, setting up, closure, or, subject to the provisions of Sections 9, 10, 11 and 13 of the Open Spaces Act 1906, maintenance of private cemeteries.