§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are available to relatives of United Kingdom nationals who die in Spain to secure an examination by British doctors.
§ Mr. Charles WardleI have been asked to reply.
In the case of United Kingdom nationals whose bodies are returned to this country following death in Spain, it is at the discretion of the relatives whether to arrange an examination by British doctors. When a body is repatriated to England and Wales, the coroner has a duty to investigate cases where the death was violent, unnatural, or sudden and unknown cause. To assist him in his inquiries the coroner has powers to arrange a post-mortem examination. These duties and powers do not apply in other parts of the United Kingdom.