§ Baroness Whitakerasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether any new arrangements for coroners take full account of the debate on the subject on 24 January 2001 (HL Deb, Cols 334–348). [HL568]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalMinisters have yet to make their final decisions on the reform of the death certification and coroner system. I anticipate that a paper will be published early this year that will set out the Government's position based on consideration of all the recent reports. The experiences of bereaved families when coming into contact with the coroner service were looked at in detail as part of the fundamental review 2003 and as part of the work of the Shipman inquiry. Any changes will take into account the requirements and expectations of different faith groups and communities, as discussed in the debate on 24 January 2001.