HC Deb 30 November 1908 vol 197 cc1079-81
MR. J. MACVEAGH

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he is aware that, at an inquest held at the coroner's Court of St. Giles's, London, on the 21st inst., the coroner's officer refused to admit the representatives of three news agencies and numerous daily papers, whilst admitting two journalists; whether he is aware that a written protest handed to the coroner's officer was not delivered to the coroner, and will he say what notice has been taken of the incident; and what steps has been or will be taken, by legislation or otherwise, to prevent its repetition in that or any other coroner's Court.

MR. GLADSTONE

I am informed by the coroner that the exclusion of a certain number of Press representatives, who had arrived late, was due to a misunderstanding arising from instructions given to prevent overcrowding in the court-room, which is a very small one. It appears that four journalists were present during the proceedings. The question of what persons should be admitted to the inquest was entirely in the discretion of the coroner, who informs me that the Courts over which he presides are always open to the public and to the Press, so far as the accommodation will allow. The incident does not appear to me to call for any further action.

MR. BYLES

May the House understand that the coroner's Court is a public Court, and that no coroner has a right to pick and choose between the representatives of the Press?

MR. GLADSTONE

Of course I am not responsible for the coroner's action, but I take it that they are admitted as long as there is room.

MR. BYLES

Is the coroner's Court everywhere a public Court, and has any coroner a right to pick and choose?

MR. GLADSTONE

It is a public Court under the control of the coroner, who has to make the best arrangements he can for the public interest.

MR. BYLES

It is most important that the House should know—

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order. If the Question is so important the hon. Member had better give notice.

MR. J. MACVEAGH

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any expression of regret from the coroner, or any assurance that this will not be repeated?

MR. GLADSTONE

As will be gathered from the Answer already given, the coroner has said that his Court was open to the public and the Press so far as the accommodation would allow. I have received no further communication.