§ 34. Mr. Beswickasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average length of time between notification of a death and notification of the findings of any coroner's inquiry; and what was the time taken between notification of the death and pronouncement of the coroner's findings about the death of Miss Marjorie Florence Woodman, who was killed in an accident at Ruislip on 6th August, 1947.
§ Mr. EdeDuring the quarter ended 31st December last, an average of four and a half days elapsed between a death notified to the coroner and the coroner's decision, including cases where the decision was not to hold an inquest. As regards the particular case referred to, the death was reported to the coroner's officer on the evening of 6th August, and the inquest was held on the afternoon of 12th August.
§ Mr. BeswickAlthough my right hon. Friend has said that delay in this case was unavoidable, will he make certain that the causes of that delay are removed, so that the appalling consequences in this case shall not be repeated?
§ Mr. EdeI have no responsibility for coroners. I endeavour to see that this kind of delay does not occur. This was a most unfortunate case and, I believe, a most exceptional one.