§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what are the Lord Chancellor's functions in relation to the Coroner's Service. [23105]
§ Mr. HoonThe Lord Chancellor's functions in relation to the Coroners Service are set out in sections 3, 11 and 32 of the Coroners Act 1988. Section 3(4) provides that the Lord Chancellor may, if he thinks fit, remove any coroner from office for inability or misbehaviour in the discharge of his duty. Section 11(5)(c) provides that an inquisition leading to the removal of a coroner shall be in such a form as the Lord Chancellor may by rules made by statutory instrument from time to time prescribe. Section 32(1) provides that the Lord Chancellor may, with the concurrence of the Home Secretary, make rules for regulating the practice and procedure at or in connection with inquests and post-mortem examinations. The Lord Chancellor has no function regarding the appointment of Coroners, which is a matter solely for the Home Secretary.