Written question asked by David Atkinson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 March 2001. It was answered by Ross Cranston (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 March 2001 on behalf of the Solicitor General.

Solicitor-General

Question: To ask the Solicitor General, if he has received a recent request from the Wiltshire Coroner to hold a fresh inquest on the death of Ronald Maddison at the defence research establishment at Porton Down; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. David Atkinson: To ask the Solicitor-General if he has received a recent request from the Wiltshire Coroner to hold a fresh inquest on the death of Ronald Maddison at the defence research establishment at Porton Down; and if he will make a statement. [152378] The Solicitor-General: Her Majesty's Coroner for Wiltshire and Swindon has requested the Attorney General's consent for a fresh inquest into the death of Ronald Maddison which occurred in 1953. The Coroner has been asked to provide further information. The procedure is governed by section 13 of the Coroners Act 1988. Only the High Court may order a fresh inquest to be held. The Attorney General's consent is required for the application to the High Court for that fresh inquest. The application for the Attorney General's consent will be considered when the further information he has requested arrives. If the Attorney General grants his consent the Coroner will then be able to make the necessary application to the High Court.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 364 c215W; 152378
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Death Coroners Wiltshire Chemical Defence Establishment Maddison, Ronald
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk