HC Deb 17 January 1994 vol 235 c375W
Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make available in the Library the post-mortem report and any specialised pathology reports relating to the case of the late Mr. Tony Bland;

(2) whether it is his usual policy to publish post-mortem and pathology reports relating to inquests which are held; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Charles Wardle

No.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the normal period which elapses between the death of a patient in accidental or unnatural circumstances and the holding of an inquest into that death.

Mr. Charles Wardle

Coroners always endeavour to open inquests into deaths reported to them as soon as is reasonably possible.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long elapsed between the death of Mr. Tony Bland and the completion of the inquest into his death; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Charles Wardle

I understand from the West Yorkshire (West) coroner that Mr. Bland died on 3 March 1993. The inquest into his death was opened the following day and adjourned to await the outcome of relevant legal proceedings. The inquest was resumed on 21 December 1993 and concluded on the same day. Coroners are independent judicial officers and Ministers have no authority to intervene in or comment on the way in which a coroner carries out his duties in any individual case.