§ Vera BairdTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs when the Department expects to announce the outcome of the inquiry into the conduct of the Cleveland Coroner. [136570]
§ Mr. Leslie[holding answer 4 November 2003]: His Honour Judge Milford QC, who is conducting the investigation into Coroner Sheffield's conduct, has informed the Department for Constitutional Affairs that he expects to submit his report by the end of November 2003. My noble Friend the Secretary of State and Lord Chancellor will wish to give the report his detailed consideration.
While my noble Friend will be keen to bring this matter to as swift a conclusion as possible, it is not possible to set a timetable for announcing the outcome at this stage.