§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Attorney-General what is his policy concerning requests for authorisation to make application to the High Court for a fresh inquest into a cause of death; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralIn each instance in which a request is made to me I consider whether an application to the High Court under section 13 of the Coroners Act 1988 would have a reasonable prospect of establishing that it is necessary or desirable in the interests of justice for a fresh inquest to be held.
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§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Attorney-General how many requests he has received in the last year for which figures are available, for him to issue authorisations to make application to the High Court for fresh inquests; and how many of these requests were successful.
§ The Attorney-GeneralIn the 12-month period ending 31 March 1989, 14 requests were received. Of these requests six were granted, five were refused, two were withdrawn and one is still being considered.
§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Attorney-General in what circumstances, when he refuses leave to apply to the High Court for a fresh inquest, he supplies reasons for his decision; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralIf I decline to give my authority for an application to the High Court under section 13 of the Coroners Act 1988 I do so because I consider that the application would have no reasonable prospect of establishing that it is necessary or desirable in the interests of justice for a fresh inquest to be held. In such circumstances it is not my practice to give a more particular reason.