§ 39. Mr. PondTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations she has received concerning the performance of the Westminster coroner.[10349]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThe Lord Chancellor has received a letter from solicitors representing the Marchioness action group asking what steps had been taken to review the Westminster coroner's performance of his judicial duties, given criticisms of him in Lord Justice Clarke's report. There have also been requests for meetings to discuss, among other matters, criticisms of the Westminster coroner raised in the report. While accepting Lord Justice Clarke's conclusion that the Westminster coroner acted at all times in good faith, the Lord Chancellor considered that the Westminster coroner's actions on this occasion fell below the standard to be expected of a judicial officer and he issued a formal admonishment.