There is no doubt that we are facing a crisis over burial grounds.

Councils across the country are reporting that cemeteries are almost full and that there will soon be no room left.

Although the critical point is some way ahead, it makes sense to plan now.

The Government is suggesting that graves more than 100 years ago could be reopened and reused.

Clearly, even if land was available, we do not want acres and acres taken up by graves, particularly when many cemeteries are overgrown and neglected.

But councils, including some in Oxfordshire, which are considering such a move, will need to tread carefully.

Nothing is more likely to upset relatives than a proposal to put a stranger in the grave of a loved one, however long ago the original burial might have taken place.

The Government is sensibly including safeguards in its proposals to make sure that as far as possible, families' rights are protected.

Perhaps now is the time for ministers to start impressing on all of us the merits of cremation.