§ 4. Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to abolish or alter the form of coroners' inquests.
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Miss Alice Bacon)My right hon. Friend must await the report which the Departmental Committee on Death Certification and Coroners is aiming to present by the end of this year.
§ Mr. WhitakerCan my right hon. Friend promise early action on this, as the Lord Chancellor indicated some years ago that he thought that they should be abolished? Meanwhile, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is danger of prejudice to a person's reputation or future trial in statements made at inquests similar to those made in committal proceedings?
§ Miss BaconI realise that there is feeling about this, and there have been instances giving cause for some concern. The Brodrick Committee, which was appointed on 17th March, 1965, is expected to report by the end of this year. Obviously, neither my right hon. Friend nor the Government could consider any action before its report is published.