§ Vera BairdTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, whether Coroners will be appointed by the Judicial Appointments Commission. [120243]
§ Mr. LeslieThe forthcoming consultation paper on the arrangements for the new Judicial Appointments Commission, referred to in my statement of 19 June 2003,Official Report, column 19WS will invite comment on the range of appointments to be covered by the Commission. Coroners are currently appointed by local councils, with the approval of the Home Secretary for certain positions. The Luce report (Death Certification and Investigation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland—The Report of a Fundamental Review 2003, Home Office, June 2003) recommended that all responsibilities for the appointment and discipline of Coroners should be brought together in the Department for Constitutional Affairs. No decisions will be taken on the specific role and functions of the Commission until the consultation exercise has been completed.