§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many inquests due to be held have been outstanding for over five years; and if he will make a statement. [134489]
§ Paul Goggins[holding answer 27 October 2003]: This information is not held centrally.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it a requirement on coroners to conduct inquests required of them within two years of a person's death. [134490]
§ Paul Goggins[holding answer 27 October 2003]: No. While we encourage coroners to hold inquests as quickly as possible, there will always be some circumstances where it may not be sensible for the inquest to be held within a prescribed period, for example where other relevant legal proceedings are outstanding.