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Cemeteries

Volume 472: debated on Wednesday 20 February 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on what date the Health and Safety Executive last provided guidance to local authorities on health and safety with regards to gravestones and memorials. (184699)

The Health and Safety Executive has provided advice and guidance on health and safety with regards to gravestones and memorials in a number of forms over the years. The last was on 8 March 2007 when Sir Bill Callaghan, former chair of the Health and Safety Commission, was co-signatory to a letter to all chief executives of District and London borough councils and Unitary Authorities, Clerks of Town and Parish Councils and Clerks of Joint Burial Authorities. The purpose of this letter was to remind authorities of the duties they have to manage the risks associated with unstable memorials, but in doing so, to adopt a proportionate approach which reflects the actual risk.