Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis: Investigation into Death of Diana, Princess of Wales (Hansard, 17 May 2004)

§ Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Operational decisions by the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis on the deployment of allocated resources in response to the request by the Coroner of the Queen's Household are a matter for him.

Following the deaths of Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi A1-Fayed, the Metropolitan Police Service has assisted the coroner to prepare for his inquiries into the deaths. At the opening of the inquest on Diana, Princess of Wales, on 6 January, Mr Michael Burgess, who is both Coroner of the Queen's 61WA Household and the Surrey Coroner, requested that the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police look into allegations that the circumstances of the deaths were not as a result of a tragic accident. The commissioner subsequently established a small team who are tasked to assist the coroner in reviewing the information available from the French inquiry. This also includes carrying out further inquiries to ascertain if there is any credible evidence to support the allegations that have been made.

The team is working in close co-operation with the French authorities throughout the inquiries being undertaken. This was reinforced through the commissioner's recent visit to Paris. It is wholly appropriate for police resources to be used in providing the coroner with information that will enable him to fulfil his responsibilities. The police service provides such services on a regular basis to coroners throughout the country.

We recognise the current high threat from international terrorism. That is why we are providing the Metropolitan Police Authority this year with £61 million specifically to counter this threat. The resources being used to support the coroner are not being diverted from any counter-terrorism activity.