HC Deb 09 November 1944 vol 404 cc1524-5
31. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to the refusal by a coroner and by the police to communicate to the Press the verdict in an inquest which was held at such short notice that Press representatives were unable to be present; and if, for the information of the public, he will instruct that particulars in such cases should be available to Press representatives through the police.

Mr. H. Morrison

I am making inquiries into the circumstances of this case. In the meantime, all I can say is that a coroner's court is an open court, and I have no reason for thinking that as a general rule representatives of the Press are not given an opportunity to attend at an inquest. If, in any particular case, for special reasons an inquest has to be held at such short notice as to make it impracticable for the Press to attend, it is, in my view, reasonable that the Press should be given adequate particulars upon request, either by the coroner or, on his instructions, by the coroner's officer. That officer may happen to be a policeman, but the police have no responsibilities or duties in the matter, and are not necessarily aware of the proceedings at an inquest.

Mr. Driberg

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey his view in this matter to the people concerned, and especially to the coroner, who seems, in this case, to have behaved in an unnecessarily high-handed and insolent way?

Mr. Morrison

I cannot express opinions about that. I have asked for the observations of the coroner on the reports which have reached me.

Earl Winterton

In view of the constant criticisms in many quarters, and the questions asked in this House, concerning the actions of coroners, will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether he has sufficient power over coroners to see that their proceedings are in accord with common sense and justice?

Mr. Morrison

Of course, they are judicial officers; but I think that one day, when there is time, the whole proceedings of coroners might be the subject of discussion here.