§ MR. SERJEANT SIMONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the Coroner's Inquest, which commenced on the 5th instant and is now proceeding, to inquire into the death of Frances Bendall, caused by a Colliery explosion, which took place on the 20th February last at the South Wales Colliery, Cwmtilly near Newport, South Wales; and, if so, whether he has been informed of the fact that the Coroner before whom the said inquest is being held is a shareholder in the said Colliery Company; and whether he has taken, or is prepared to take, any steps to prevent so irregular a proceeding?
MR. BRUCEsaid, in reply, that he had received a letter complaining of the conduct of a coroner who was at that moment conducting an inquest into a matter in which he was said to be personally interested. The answer that he had given was that he had no power to prevent a coroner from holding an inquest, and that any complaint of improper conduct should be brought under the consideration of the Lord Chancellor, who had power to remove him if he thought proper. He (Mr. Bruce) might add that, 1983 in his opinion, wherever a coroner was personally interested in an inquiry over which he presided—he was not prepared to say it was so in the present case—it was his duty to appoint a deputy.