§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland what is the average time which elapses between a death and a fatal accident and sudden death inquiry in Scotland.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandNo statistics are kept regarding the time between death and a fatal accident inquiry. In some cases, where an inquiry is mandatory and the facts are quickly ascertained, a public inquiry takes place very soon after death. In other cases, equipment, materials and the like may have to be tested and this can delay considerably the holding of a public inquiry. Likewise, where a fatal accident inquiry is held only because the Lord Advocate considers it expedient in the public interest to have one, there may be delay in ascertaining the extent of public concern.