§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what consultations he has had with representatives of the Muslim and Jewish communities about the provision of coroners' services during the period between Christmas and the end of the Millennium holiday; [100586]
(2) what steps he has taken to ensure the adequate provision of coroners' services during the period between Christmas and the end of the Millennium holiday. [100587]
§ Mr. BoatengThe need for appropriate cover over this period has already been brought to the attention of the Coroners' Society and we expect to write to all coroners on this matter shortly. Coroners are required under the Coroners Rules to be available at all times to undertake duties in connection with inquests and post mortem examinations. (We have held no consultations with, nor received representations from, religious communities specifically during this period about cover). Responsibility for the availability of coroner services lies with the relevant coroner and the local council.