§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if inquests will be held into the deaths of the 23 further alleged victims of Dr. Harold Shipman in connection with which the Director of Public Prosecutions has decided he should not be charged. [119723]
§ Mr. StrawI understand that the relevant coroner is considering whether inquests ought to be held. Since the bodies have all been cremated in these cases, the coroner cannot proceed without my authority. If such consent is sought, I will consider very carefully whether inquests are desirable and whether to direct the coroner accordingly.