The possibility of setting up a crematorium was discussed during a recent meeting between Archbishop Paul Cremona and Planning Parliamentary Secretary Michael Farrugia.

The archbishop said that from a religious point of view, the church had nothing against the idea but believed this should be an individual choice, as long as religious teaching was followed.

Dr Farrugia said that Mepa was in the process of issuing a policy to regulate cemeteries.

Dr Farrugia and Archbishop Cremona agreed that work related to the joint office should be hastened. Dr Farrugia said he wished for problems which had been left to accumulate for years and which would take another 15 years to be settled at the current rhythm to be resolved in the interest of the people and the church.

Both sides agreed the time had come for the process of meetings on the scheduling of religious properties around Malta and Gozo to be reembarked upon.