HL Deb 18 February 1998 vol 586 c41WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have received any criticisms concerning the handling by coroners of recent cases of deaths in custody; and whether they consider that any changes are needed in the procedures and methods of coroners. [HL544]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Criticisms regarding inquests into deaths in custody are received from time to time. There are no current plans to amend coroner legislation in relation to the need to sum up evidence and give directions to a jury, but we are considering the recent recommendation from the Home Affairs Select Committee regarding the disclosure of relevant information in advance of such inquests.