The members of the Parliamentary Committee for Environment and Planning this evening declared that they agreed with the Mepa policy proposing the extension of existing cemeteries, including historic cemeteries. The members also agreed, however, that there should be no new cemeteries and that extensions should be done in full respect to the safeguarding of the historicity of the existing cemeteries.

Parliamentary Secretary for Planning Michael Falzon said that the Policy and Design Guidance for Cemeteries issued by Mepa was not aimed at permitting new cemeteries but at permitting extensions to existing cemeteries.

He outlined the current legislative framework which regulates burials and pointed out that this activity was covered by police ordinances with no land use planning.

The Mepa policy takes into account the environmental constraints, the construction methodology and the management of the use of the area. Dr Falzon said that the policy took into account alternative burial methods such as resomation, cryomation and aquamation.

Ryan Callus (PN) said that it was positive that the sector was being regulated and also that no new cemeteries were being envisaged. This would decrease pressure on Outside Development Zones.

Market forces on this sector are strong, said Mr Callus. He said that alternative burial methods may be offensive to human dignity, an argument which went beyond religious beliefs. Mr Callus said that the policy as proposed did not, however, provide for the preservation of historical cemeteries and while one may envisage extensions, the main issue should be the historical preservation of these cemeteries. He asked for re-assurance that such cemeteries were protected and their character preserved.

Charles Buhagiar (PL) said that some cemeteries could not be extended since they were hemmed in by development and meanwhile, the demand for graves became more pressing. He said that some historic cemeteries could be rehabilitated and extended. This was an economic activity and could encourage investment by the private sector.

Godfrey Farrugia (PL) pointed out that resomation was an accelerated form of decomposition and the family would still have remains to keep dear.

He said that while it was true that cemeteries were regulated by demand and supply, the current under-supply was inflating the cost of graves. Dr Farrugia said that with the problems relating to supervision by the Public Health Authorities, he said he could not agree with Mr Buhagiar that the private sector should be encouraged wholesale to enter this market.

Parliamentary Secretary Falzon said that there appeared to be unanimous approval that there should be no new cemeteries and that the historical aspects should be safeguarded.

He too warned that opening the sector to third parties may lead to speculation which, in this sector would be very dangerous. He said that extensions should be made where necessary in full respect to the character of the existing cemeteries.

A discussion ensued as to whether the historical part of the cemeteries should be segregated or not.

Concerns were raised on compatibility of new and historical designs and the understanding was that the decision on compatibility should be taken by Mepa. Several cemeteries are scheduled and extensions would have to work within the scheduling parameters.

Members agreed that the extensions should be carried out in full respect to the retention of the historic character of existing historical cemeteries and that the management of the extensions should also take into account the safeguarding of the historical parts of the cemeteries.

The Committee then heard submissions by NGOs and environmental activists.   Alfred Baldachino said that the issue of safeguarding the water table, the policy seems aimed at eliminating contamination rather than on the effect on the hydrology of the area. This, he said had happened in Gozo. He said that an aspect which may need to be considered is the use of zinc lining in the coffins to prevent decomposition.

He said that this should be limited since this increases the impact on the land use.