73. Colonel GRIFFITHSasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the variation of procedure in regard to inquests on the bodies of the enemy destroyed in Zeppelin raids in this country; and if he will, if it is necessary, introduce legislation in regard to this matter, with a view to abolishing inquests on the bodies of the enemy killed in this country during raids or invasions?
Mr. SAMUELThe powers of coroners to hold inquests in such cases rests upon Statute, and I do not think it desirable to introduce legislation to remove those powers. There might be occasions on which disadvantage to the public interest would arise from the absence of an inquest.