HC Deb 18 March 1971 vol 813 cc1620-1
3. Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to enable all interested parties to have access to statements obtained by coroners' officers for the purpose of inquests prior to the opening of such inquests.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Mark Carlisle)

My right hon. Friend will consider the desirability of changes in the law and practice relating to coroners and coroners' courts when he receives the Report of the Committee on Death Certification and Coroners.

Mr. Davis

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Does he not consider that it is grossly inequitable that, where allegations are being made against the police at an inquest, those representing the police should be armed with the statements of all the witnesses, whereas those representing other parties involved at the inquest do not have this advantage?

Mr. Carlisle

I know that the hon. Gentleman's question relates to a particular inquest. A coroner is an independent judicial officer who is solely responsible for the conduct of his inquest.

Mr. Buck

Is my hon. Friend in a position to say when he is likely to receive the report to which he referred?

Mr. Carlisle

The Committee is expected to report later this year.

Sir Elwyn Jones

As that Committee has been deliberating for five years, may we have some expedition within the next few months? Five years is a long period of gestation even for a Committee.

Mr. Carlisle

I am aware of the anticipation with which the report is awaited by everyone in the House. The Committee has found its task somewhat complicated, but it hopes to complete its report this year.