§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present situation on consideration by the Government of the Brodrick report on coroners; and what are the Government's present intentions on implementation of the report's recommendations.
§ Mr. RaisonOf the 114 recommendations of the Brodrick report on death certification and coroners, eight required no action, 11 were rejected when the previous Administration announced the then Government's decisions on the report on 6 August 1975—[Vol. 897, c.211]—10 were considered but not adopted by the working
370Wparty on coroners' rules and 28 have been implemented by legislation, rule or administrative action. The most important statutory changes have been the abolition of the duty of the coroner's jury to name the person they found guilty of homicide, and of the coroner to commit that person for trial, and the abolition of the mandatory jury in cases of homicide and road traffic deaths and of the need for the coroner to view the body of the deceased. Changes to the coroners rules have concerned participation in the inquest proceedings, the admission of documentary evidence and riders and recommendations. Twenty recommendations concerning an improved system of medical certification of the fact and cause of death are currently being considered by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services. Seven recommendations concerning various topics are the subject of discussions or other action. My right hon. Friend has announced his intention of bringing forward legislation to implement five recommendations concerning deaths in custody when a legislative opportunity occurs. No decisions have been reached, or action taken, on the remaining 25 recommendations.