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Home Office

Answer

Mr. Khabra: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has decided on the terms of reference for the fundamental review of the coroner system. [155718] Mr. Boateng: In consultation with ministerial colleagues, it has been decided that the terms of reference should be as follows. In respect of England, Wales and Northern Ireland: 1. To consider the most effective arrangements for identifying the deceased and for ascertaining and certifying the medical cause of death for public health and public record purposes, having regard to proposals for a system of medical examiners. 2. To consider the extent to which the public interest may require deaths to be subject to further independent investigation, having regard to existing criminal and other statutory and non-statutory investigative procedures. 3. To consider the qualifications and experience required, and the necessary supporting organisations and structures, for those appointed to undertake the duties for ascertaining, certifying and investigating deaths. 4. To consider arrangements for the provision of post mortem services for the investigation of deaths. 5. To consider the consequences of any changes arising from the above for the registration service and the role of coroners under the Treasure Act 1996, and to consider where departmental responsibilities for the arrangements should be located, having regard both to coherence for bereavement services and effective accountability. We are now considering who should carry out the review and I hope to make a further announcement shortly.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

155718; 365 c402-3W

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Criminal investigation Death Coroners Medical examinations Medical records Post-mortems Coroner Review

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk