§ Mr. Robert L. Howarthasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that the Cremation Regulations Amendment, 1965, has removed unnecessary delays in the release of bodies of accident victims by local coroners for cremation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ennals:Since 1965 a coroner has been able to authorise cremation as soon as he has opened an inquest, provided he is satisfied that no further examination of the body is necessary. If the inquest has had to be adjourned because proceedings are being instituted for murder, manslaughter or causing death by dangerous driving, the coroner must first satisfy himself that neither the prosecution nor the defence are likely to want to make an independent examination. On such occasions cremation may be delayed, but this is unavoidable if the interests of the prosecution and the defence are not to be prejudiced.
§ Mr. Robert L. Howarthasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reduction there has been in the time taken for the release of bodies of accident victims for cremation following the introduction of the 1965 Amendment to the Cremation Regulations.
§ Mr. Ennals:No figures are available but my Department has the impression, from cases brought to its notice, that since 1965 there has been a significant reduction in the delays which used to occur.