HC Deb 26 February 2001 vol 363 c476W
Fiona Mactaggart

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many post-mortem examinations took place in each year since 1995; and how many of these in each year were undertaken(a) because there was suspicion of criminal activity in the death, (b) because the doctor was unsure of the cause of death, (c) for research purposes and (d) for other specified purposes; [150124]

(2) how many post mortems in each year since 1995 (a) established a prima facie criminal case, (b) established a previously unknown cause of death and (c) did not establish a cause of death. [150125]

Mr. Boateng

Information about the reasons for coroner post-mortem examinations is not held centrally. Available information up to 1999, including data on non-coroner post-mortems held by the Office for National Statistics, is set out in the table.

Mr. Charles Clarke

[holding answer 12 February 2001]: In the event of the European Union carrying out a civilian policing operation, the United Kingdom would not be obliged to contribute any police officers, but would decide in the light of circumstances whether it was appropriate for the United Kingdom to contribute to the operation, and if so, in what numbers.