Alkaline hydrolysis ('water cremation') regulation in Scotland

Consultation Questions

Question 1 - Do you think that the Scottish Government should introduce regulations to allow the use of alkaline hydrolysis as a method of disposal of human remains in Scotland? Please also provide the reason for your answer. (see para 3 – 7)

Yes

No

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Question 2 - Have the sustainability claims made by manufacturers influenced your response to Question 1? Please provide details. (see para 11)

Yes

No

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Question 3 - Assuming that alkaline hydrolysis is to be allowed, should it be regulated in a similar manner as cremation? (see para 22 – 23)

Yes

No

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Question 4 - Do you agree that the same procedure as applies to opening new crematoriums should apply to opening alkaline hydrolysis premises? (see para 29)

Yes

No

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Question 5 - Should alkaline hydrolysis operators be subject to inspection in the same way as cremation authorities? (see para 32)

Yes

No

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Question 6 - What information do you think should be included in a management plan by a provider of alkaline hydrolysis? (see para 33 – 37)

Comments:

Question 7 - Do you agree that there should be statutory application forms similar to the cremation application forms? (see para 39)

Yes

No

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Question 8 - Do you have any views on the provision of alkaline hydrolysis for children under age 4 and for stillborn babies (even though no ashes are likely to result)? (see para 42 – 44)

Yes

No

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Question 9 - Do you have any comments on extending the requirement for a Form E1 (as applies when the body is released for cremation by COPFS) to alkaline hydrolysis? (see para 45)

Yes

No

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Question 10 - Do you agree that operators of alkaline hydrolysis (and funeral directors) should be required to comply with the same requirements and timescales for handling of the remains as they are for ashes following cremation? (see para 47 – 48)

Yes

No

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Question 11 - Do you agree that the content of the statutory cremation register for bodies should be replicated for alkaline hydrolysis? Please add any comments on what you think should be different and why. (see para 49)

Yes

No

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Question 12 - Do you agree that the content of the statutory cremation register for body parts should be replicated for alkaline hydrolysis? Please add any comments on what you think should be different and why. (see para 49)

Yes

No

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Question 13 - Do you agree that the content of the statutory cremation register for stillborn babies should be replicated for alkaline hydrolysis? Please add any comments on what you think should be different and why. (see para 50 – 51)

Yes

No

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Question 14 - Section 87 of the 2016 Act provides that where a person dies or is found dead within a local authority area, and no arrangements are being made for them to be buried or cremated, the local authority must make the arrangements. In these cases, should the local authority be able to use alkaline hydrolysis where it is available? Please provide reasons for your answer. (see para 52)

Yes

No

Don’t know

No view/comment

Comments:

Question 15 - As noted in the consultation, supporters of alkaline hydrolysis have claimed that the liquid could be considered for sustainable disposal, such as fertilizer. If relevant consents are obtained, do you have any views on whether this should be an option? (see para 53 – 60)

Yes

No

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Question 16 - Do you have any other comments on the regulation and use of alkaline hydrolysis which you wish to share? (see para 53 – 60)

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