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Proceeding contribution from Jack Straw (Labour) in the House of Commons on Monday, 26 January 2009. It occurred during Debate on bill on Coroners and Justice Bill.

Coroners and Justice Bill

I understand the hon. Gentleman's concern, but the reason why successive Governments have resisted a general provision to make representation or legal aid available in inquests is that they are civil, inquisitorial inquiries. They are not judicial proceedings, and they work very differently even from other civil proceedings. That is why successive Governments have resisted the notion that legal aid should be made available. There are exceptions to that—I have been party to agreeing them—and although I do not give the hon. Gentleman an undertaking that we will accept an amendment on the matter, I certainly undertake that we will consider it.

Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
487 c28 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Children Disclosure of information Data protection Bail Administration of justice Armed forces Death Certification Coroners Juries Electronic surveillance Homosexuality Evidence ICT Incitement Homicide Health professions Internet Discrimination Ethnic groups Freedom of expression Personal records Prisons Mental capacity Pornography Offences against children Sentencing Registration Young people Security Witnesses Victims Technology Suicide Sentencing Council for England and Wales Information sharing
Legislation
Coroners and Justice Bill 2008-09
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk