§ Mr. Fabian HamiltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance coroners are given on being sensitive to the families of the deceased in cases where an inquest many be necessary and on doing all that is reasonably practicable to meet the acute needs of the bereaved. [159968]
§ Paul GogginsAll those involved in the coroner and death certification system are expected to approach bereaved families and friends of the deceased in a sensitive manner. The Fundamental Review of Death Certification and Coroner Services, and the Shipman Inquiry both (laid before Parliament last year) recommended a more involved role for the family of the deceased. The Home Secretary and I are considering the recommendations set out in these and other reports and are deciding on a programme of reform which will include proposals to make the system more sensitive to the needs of the bereaved. We plan to publish a position paper shortly.