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be imposed. At Breakspear Crematorium it is usual to discuss particular matters with the doctors
giving the certificates as well as with other doctors who may be able to provide contributory
information. The Report showed that the proportion of cases in which a post-mortem examination
was required before the cremation was permitted was only 0.2%. In part this low figure is surely
the result of the curious legal anomaly which gives the medical referee power to require a postmortem
examination but no power to authorise the payment of the necessary fee. The Committee
made it clear that a greater proportion of post-mortem examinations was desirable. This objective
could better be achieved by providing the medical referee with these necessary additional powers
than by excluding him completely.
In view of the extent of the Committee's recommendations it seems unlikely that immediate
legislation will be possible. The Report therefore recommended an early decision to abolish the
confirmatory medical certificate. It is to be hoped if such a change is introduced it will be accompanied
by some strengthening of the first medical certificate and of the medical referee's powers
concerning post-mortem examinations.
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