Bonomy report received

The Infant Cremation Commission, chaired by Lord Bonomy, has today (12 June) submitted its report to the Scottish Government.

The report will be published online on Tuesday 17 June 2014. Subject to parliamentary approval, the Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson intends to make a statement to parliament that day – which is the earliest parliamentary opportunity to respond to the report.

In the statement, Mr Matheson will outline the government’s response to Lord Bonomy’s report.

Mr Matheson said: “I’d like to thank Lord Bonomy and all the members of the Infant Cremation Commission for their thorough and extensive work in examining the policies, practice and legislation relating to the cremation of infants in Scotland.

“This is an issue, first highlighted at Mortonhall, that has caused a considerable amount of concern across the country and it is right that it has been examined in such detail.

“The government will now consider its response to the Infant Cremation Commission report and will publish this on Tuesday. This gives parliament the opportunity to consider the report and I will make a statement that day in the chamber outlining how the government plans to respond.

“Lastly, I’d like to take the opportunity to again thank those affected parents who have a shown a great deal of patience and understanding during this difficult time. I sincerely hope they feel that their views have been taken into account throughout this process and I look forward to continuing to work with them going forward.”