§ 74. Sir F. BLAKEasked the Minister of Health the number of uncertified deaths that were reported to the coroners during the year 1919; how many of these were the subjects of inquests or were decided by the coroners not to need them; and, in the latter case, what evidence or information coroners are required to possess before deciding to dispense with an inquiry?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe number of uncertified deaths reported in 1919 by a Registrar of Births and Deaths to a coroner which were not the subject of an inquest is 6,698. The total number of inquests held in that year is 31,488, but no figures are available as to how many of those related respectively to certified and to uncertified deaths. I understand that in all cases the coroner is governed by the provisions of Section 3 (1) of the Coroners Act, 1887, which sets forth the circumstances in which he is obliged to hold an inquest.
§ Sir F. BLAKECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether a medical man giving a certificate has to view the body of the person, the cause of whose death he has certified?
§ Dr. ADDISONI do not understand the point.
§ Sir F. BLAKEIf a medical man is asked by a coroner to give a certificate of death, has he, before giving that certificate, to view the body of the person the cause of whose death he has to certify?
§ Dr. ADDISONI think I had better have notice of that.
§ Sir T. BRAMSDONIs it not the fact that in all cases where the medical certificate is not forthcoming, by the direction of the Registrar-General it is reported to the coroner, the coroner causes inquiries to be made, and where a coroner is satisfied that an inquest is unnecessary, he signs a certificate to that effect?
§ Dr. ADDISONThat is so. These are the matters referred to in Section 3 of the Coroners Act.