§ 41. Sir John Mellorasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to two cases during the present month in which a coroner's jury at Maidenhead has returned a verdict in conflict with the decision of the local justices; and whether, in view of these and similar cases, he will consider introducing legislation to abolish committals for trial on coroners' warrants?
§ Sir S. HoareYes, Sir. I am aware of the two cases to which the hon. Baronet refers. One of the recommendations made by the Departmental Committee on 3287 Coroners was that a coroner should no longer have power to commit any person for trial in his inquisition on a charge of murder, manslaughter, or infanticide and that the inquisition should not name any person as guilty of one of these offences. Legislation would be required to give effect to this recommendation, but I am not in a position to make any statement as to the prospect of legislation to amend the law relating to coroners.
§ Sir J. MellorIn view of the fact that that recommendation was made in January, 1936, does my right hon. Friend not think it undesirable that it should still be possible for a man who has been charged before magistrates and who has had the charge against him dismissed to be subsequently, on the same evidence, committed for trial by a coroner's jury?
§ Sir S. HoareI have stated the position in answer to my hon. Friend's question, and I have nothing to add to it. The question of legislation is to a great extent a question of time.