§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reports he has received about delays in the holding of inquests by the Wiltshire coroner; and if he will make a statement. [171585]
§ Paul Goggins[holding answer 10 May 2004]: The Wiltshire coroner has reported that the investigation, and preparation for the inquest, into the death of Ronald Maddison at Porton Down in 1953 has proved extremely time-consuming and has caused delays to other cases. His county council has appointed an additional assistant deputy coroner in order to deal with the backlog.