Written question asked by George Osborne (Conservative) on Thursday, 30 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 2003. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Monday, 24 February 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to review the procedures carried out by Home Office pathologists into the deaths of infants in suspicious circumstances following the Court of Appeal judgement on Sally Clark.

Answer: Mr. George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the procedures carried out by Home Office pathologists into the deaths of infants in suspicious circumstances following the Court of Appeal judgment on Sally Clark. [95588] Mr. Denham: I commissioned an independent review of Forensic Pathology Services in England and Wales last year. The review report recommended that: 1. the decline in numbers of forensic pathologists should be reversed through a sustained training programme; 2. improved administrative arrangements should be put in place, monitoring service levels and ensuring that standards are maintained; and 3. steps should be taken to ensure that there are improved facilities for the conduct of post-mortem examinations. Now that the review has been discussed by the Policy Advisory Board for Forensic Pathology, it is under consideration by the Government.

Secondary information