The Minister responsible for burial law and policy, Paul Goggins MP, will make the keynote speech to open the Grounds for Burial Conference (12-13 May at Brompton Cemetery Chapel in west London). The conference, organised by the Association of Burial Authorities, is a forum for discussion on the Government\'s consultation paper proposing changes that will have a major effect on how cemeteries and churchyards are managed.

Andrew Bennett MP, chairman of the Select Committee Inquiry into Cemeteries, will open the second day. It was his Inquiry that prompted the Government to undertake the first major review of burial law in 150 years.

The conference will also host the presentation of prizes to winners of the Stoneguard Phoenix Awards cemetery design competition and there will be an opportunity to tour the Royal Parks\' historic Brompton Cemetery and catacombs.

The consultation paper Burial Law and Policy in the 21st Century can be found at the web address below.

Fee for the two-day conference is £100 for ABA members, £125 for others. The fee includes a buffet lunch and refreshments on both days. Reservation details from: