§ Mr. Meacherasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland how many complaints were made in each year since 1970 to the procurator fiscal following a death in police custody; in each case, what was the complaint; what was the police station involved; what was the finding of the fatal accident inquiry; and what was the cause of death as stated on the medical certificate.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandAs I have already explained in my written answer dated 25 January 1980—[Vol. 977, c. 423)—a public inquiry is required to be held into all deaths of persons in legal custody in terms of the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry (Scotland) Act 1976. The holding of such an inquiry does not follow upon a complaint from a member of the public but is mandatory in terms of the statute. Intimation of the holding of the inquiry must be given to the nearest relative and there is a requirement for a public notice. Prior to the coming into force of the 1976 Act,722W procurators fiscal were required to investigate any death in legal custody and report to the Crown Office.
So far as deaths from non-natural causes are concerned, the information will be made available to the hon. Member following upon the written answer given on 14 January 1980.—[Vol. 976, c. 591.]
In relation to deaths from non-natural causes or suicides, I refer the hon. Member to my written answer of 25 January 1980.—[Vol. 977, c. 423.]