§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is the policy of the Metropolitan police to make available (i) all relevant information which they have and (ii) the relevant Police Complaints Authority report to(a) the coroner conducting an inquest into a death in police custody and (b) the next of kin of the deceased person; in what circumstances such documents are not made available; and if he will make a statement. [17053]
§ Mr. MacleanI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the Metropolitan police make all relevant information available, including the Police Complaints Authority report, to the coroner for use at a public inquest into a death in police custody. The investigating officer does not have authority to disclose any documentation or evidential material to the next of kin without the direction of the coroner. However, I understand that the investigating officer will attempt to liaise informally with the next of kin or their legal representatives to keep them informed of the progress of the investigation.