§ Mr Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress is being made towards the implementation, in advance of legislation, of recommendations of the Committee on Death Certification and Coroners (the Brodrick Committee); and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe Working Party on the Coroners Rules, which I announced on 29th July 1976—[Vol. 916, c. 341–2]—was being set up, with the concurrence of the Lord Chancellor and the Law Officers, has submitted a report on the completion of the first part of the task assigned to it and has made recomendations for changes in the Coroners Rules consequent upon the abolition by the Criminal Law Act 1977 of the coroner's power to commit for trial. These recommendations have been accepted, and my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has concurred with the Lord Chancellor in making the necessary Amendment Rules, which will come into effect on 1st January 1978. The working party's report will be published and a copy will be placed in the Library.
The Working Party will now be invited to consider what changes in the Coroners Rules 1953 (as amended) would be necessary to implement the procedural reforms recommended by the Brodrick Committee which can be achieved under existing legislation, and to make recommendations.