§ 2.47 p.m.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they have taken and propose to take to carry into effect the recommendations of the Brodrick Committee on Coroners' Courts.
§ The MINISTER of STATE, HOME OFFICE (Lord Harris of Greenwich)My Lords, the Government have considered the recommendations of this Committee and the comments made on them by various interested organisations. The Government's general conclusions were announced in a Statement made by my right honourable friend in another place on 6th August. Further discussions with the various bodies concerned will follow based on a consultative document setting out more detailed proposals.
Lord JANNERMy Lords, would my noble friend realise that there is a considerable amount of grave concern about the fact that people are sent for trial on charges which are made because of decisions in the coroners' courts, which, incidentally, have become public, and that consequently a considerable amount of damage is done to the accused because the average person comes to the conclusion that the coroner's court has decided that the offence has been committed? Does he not think that in that particular respect at least some action should be taken? If the Government are not in a position to deal with the matter, would he be prepared to encourage the introduc- 638 tion of, if I may put it this way, an inspired Bill, when somebody is successful in the ballot in the other place?
§ Lord HARRIS of GREENWICHMy Lords, on the first point, it is the Government's intention to deal with this particular problem in advance of legislation dealing with the substance of the recommendations in the Brodrick Report. On the second point, I shall draw to my right honourable friend's attention the suggestion made by my noble friend.
Lord JANNERMy Lords, in view of the urgency of the matter and the fact that the Government apparently have not time to deal with this important problem, would the noble Lord be good enough to recommend that the suggestion I made be adopted?
§ Lord HARRIS of GREENWICHMy Lords, my right honourable friend will have to be involved in any such decision, and it is for him to consider the suggestion made by my noble friend.