§ Captain Orrasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will state the number of inquests at present outstanding in Northern Ireland; what is the present average length of time elapsing between dealth and inquest; whether this period is becoming longer than normal; and what steps he is taking to speed up the process.
§ Mr. David Howell:The number of deaths which have been reported to coroners in Northern Ireland and which might result in inquests is 375. The present average length of time between death and an inquest is approximately three months. In some districts there has been a marked increase in this period. My 292W right hon. Friend is considering whether any improvement can be effected.