Forensic Pathology Services (Hansard, 22 October 2002)

§ Lord Falconer of Thoroton

Forensic pathologists play a crucial role in the criminal justice system. Their principal function is the conduct of post-mortem examinations in cases of suspicious or sudden deaths to determine the cause and time of death. This information is critical to homicide investigations.

We have now seen the report of the independent review of the provision of forensic pathology services, which we commissioned last year.

The review recommended that the decline in numbers of forensic pathologists should be reversed through a sustained training programme; improved administrative arrangements should be put in place to monitor service levels and ensure that standards are maintained; and steps should be taken to ensure that there are improved facilities for the conduct of post-mortem examinations.

The Government is considering this report and will reach decisions after the review has been discussed by the Policy Advisory Board on forensic pathology.