§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to ensure that general practitioners and hospital doctors receive post-mortem reports on their patients.
§ Mr. SackvillePost mortems may be requested for clinical purposes, if relatives' permission is obtained, or by the coroner. Guidelines issued in August 1993 by the Royal College of Pathologists drew attention to the desirability of sending post mortem reports to general practitioners and hospital consultants, but noted the particular considerations where the post mortem has been requested by the coroner. The report is his property but the Coroners Rules 1984 provide for it to be supplied to those with a proper interest. Further consideration is being given to means of facilitating access to reports.