§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the result has been of the investigation into the circumstances of the death of Private Alison Croft at Dalton Barracks in Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 2 October; at what time police were called; what steps were taken to secure evidence at the scene of the death; 37W what the conclusions were of their inquiry; what was the nature of the post mortem examination, by whom it was carried out; and what were the findings; at what time were relatives of the deceased notified; and what arrangements he has made for (a) an inquest and (b) a board of inquiry. [80649]
§ Dr. MooniePrivate Alison Croft died at Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, on 28 September 2002. The associated civilian police investigation is still ongoing. In light of this, it would be inappropriate to comment on the circumstances of the investigation at this time.
Her Majesty's Coroner is the appropriate authority to determine the arrangements for an inquest, not the Ministry of Defence, although the Department will aim to provide assistance where required. A determination has yet to be made as to whether a Board of Inquiry will be held.