Coroners and Justice Act 2009

Debate between Lord Jay of Ewelme and Lord McNally

Wednesday 24th November 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Jay of Ewelme]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to implement fully the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.

[The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally)]

My Lords, no. My Written Statement of 14 October outlined those areas of Part 1 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 that we intend to take forward, such as a charter for the bereaved, and those that, because of the current economic climate, we are unable to progress with, such as the appointment of the chief coroner.

[Lord Jay of Ewelme]

I am grateful to the Minister for that Answer, but would he not agree that a consistent standard of coronial practice is an essential ingredient of our civil and criminal justice system and that we do not, alas, have that at present, as a number of recent cases have unfortunately shown? Despite what he has said, the appointment of a chief coroner would ensure the proper and necessary governance arrangements for the coronial system. Will he look again at the proposal in the Public Bodies Bill to abolish the position of chief coroner?

[Lord McNally]

Perhaps happily, that task lies with my noble friend Lord Taylor when the Bill is debated. Is it later today?