CORONERS

Early day motion 813, tabled 4 March 2003 by Chris Bryant (Labour). Signed by 22 members.

That this House notes that nearly one in four deaths in England and Wales leads to a post-mortem, compared to only one in 10 in Northern Ireland; recognises that every post-mortem not only delays the funeral but can cause distress and anxiety for bereaved families; believes that the proper investigation of any violent or suspicious death is important in order to thwart and detect foul play but that many routine post-mortems are unnecessary; is concerned that there is little consistency in the reporting of deaths as drugs-related across the UK; congratulates many coroners on their diligence and sensitivity; and urges the Government to bring forward plans for a united national coroners service responsible to the Home Office, with clear rules and guidelines and adequate training in bereavement for all coroners.

Signatures by party: Labour 14, Liberal Democrat 3, Labour/Co-operative 2, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.