Michael Fabricant pleaded this afternoon with Nick Brown in the House of Commons Chamber to intervene and stop the Longdon/Armitage cremation pyre (see News earlier today) from being ignited before it is moved away from neighbouring homes.

Michael Fabricant asked the Agriculture Minister what guidelines are issued by MAFF regarding the siting of cremation pyres near residential areas and went on to explain his concern about the proximity of the pyre being constructed close to Longdon. He told the Minister that he is concerned not only about the smell and the dirt from smoke, but also of the risk to Michael’s constituents with asthma and emphysema and other breathing difficulties. He asked the Nick Brown to intervene and move the pyre away from residential housing.

Nick Brown answered that he would not intervene on a local operational matter. He did not attempt to answer the question as to whether there are any guidelines as to the placing of cremation pyres.

"I am bitterly disappointed with this half-cocked response" says Michael Fabricant. "I would have thought that he could have at least promised to investigate the matter even if he could not make a firm decision one way or another in the Chamber of the House of Commons. This is yet another example of the haughty arrogance of this Government which is getting so out of touch".

It is now thought that the "Operational Stop" will be reversed and that the pyre will be ignited.