HC Deb 13 December 1974 vol 883 cc274-5W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he intends to give to coroners about inviting close relatives to identify the victims of terrorist activities.

(2) if he will now issue advice to coroners that they make a practice of asking doctors and friends, other than close relations, to identify the bodies of people who are killed.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Identification does not have to be by a close relative. But it is usually the case that the most appropriate person to perform this distressing duty is a close relative. In the circumstances I do not consider that general guidance to coroners is required. I shall, however, be writing more fully to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many close relatives of people who have been killed in the last five years have been asked to identify the bodies of their next of kin.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

This information is not available.