§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what role the Government have in setting limits or determining the appropriate charge to be levied by Her Majesty's Coroners upon bereaved relatives and other interested parties in payment for photocopying of documents and statements to be disclosed under Rule 37 of the Coroners Act 1988; when the level of the charge was last reviewed; and what relief is available for individuals on low incomes; [179513]
(2) if he will take into account (a) transparency in the inquest process and (b) access for those with limited means when determining the appropriate charge to be levied by Her Majesty's Coroners upon (i) bereaved relatives and (ii) other interested parties in payment for photocopying of documents and statements to be disclosed under Rule 37 of the Coroners Act 1988. [179806]
§ Paul GogginsThe Government prescribe the fees payable to coroners for supplying copies of inquisitions, depositions, post mortem examination reports or other documents relating to an inquest. These fees are set out in the Coroner's Records (Fees for Copies) Rules 2002 and followed discussions on the appropriate level with the Coroners Society. Coroners have powers to waive any fee in cases of hardship and have been advised that no charge can be made in respect of providing a copy of any document where an inquest has not been held.