HC Deb 02 April 1974 vol 871 cc332-3W
Mr. Waddington

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to implement the recommendations of the Brodrick Committee on Death Certification and Coroners, Command Paper No. 4810, and in particular require coroners to complete and deliver to the next of kin an interim certificate of the fact of death in cases where the conclusion of an inquiry is likely to be delayed.

Dr. Summerskill

The Government need time to consider the report before taking any decision on the implementation of its recommendations. In cases where the completion of an inquest is likely to be delayed coroners are usually prepared to issue a letter confirming the fact of death; this is normally acceptable to third parties as evidence of death.

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