§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what power he has to investigate the proper conduct of coroners' courts and to discipline coroners.
§ Mr. Charles WardleUnder section 3(4) of the Coroners Act 1988, the Lord Chancellor alone has the power to dismiss a coroner. By agreement between the Lord Chancellor's Department and the Home Office, inquiries into complaints against coroners are carried out by the Home Office, with the Lord Chancellor's Department becoming involved only where there is a clear instance of grounds for dismissal. In carrying out its investigative role, the Home Office acts on a non-statutory basis. It has no disciplinary powers.