HC Deb 06 November 2003 vol 412 c776W
Chris Ruane

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if the Secretary of State will make funding available for legal representation of families whose children have died in custody. [135787]

Mr. Lammy

An applicant who is a member of the deceased's immediate family may obtain public funding for representation at an inquest, where the deceased has died in custody, if:

  1. (i) the applicant satisfies the standard financial eligibility tests, and
  2. (ii) legal representation is necessary to assist the coroner to investigate the case effectively.