HC Deb 27 January 1976 vol 904 c103W
78. Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to ensure that post mortem examinations are not required for those persons who prior to death have been registered as suffering from 100 per cent. dust in the coal mining, slate quarrying and allied industries.

Dr. Summerskill

We understand the distress that may be involved, but such deaths must be reported to, and investigated by, the coroner, whose duty to establish the cause of death may be carried out either by holding an inquest or simply by ordering a post mortem examination if he is satisfied that this will dispense with the need for an inquest. The decision is netirely for the coroner and my right hon. Friend has no power to intervene.