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01 January 1991

Inquests

Hansard written answer 2.5.89 Col 39

Mr Harry Barnes asked the Attorney-General what is his policy
concerning requests for authorization to make application to the
High Court for a fresh inquest into a cause of death; and if he
will make a statement.
The Attorney-General replied that in each instance in which a
request is made to me I consider whether an application to the
High Court under section 13 of the Coroners Act 1988 would have
a reasonable prospect of establishing that it is necessary or
desirable in the interests of justice for a fresh inquest to bc
held.

Mr Harry Barnes asked the Attorney-General how many requests he
has received in the last year for which figures are available,
f@r him to issue authorisations to make application to the High
Court for fresh inquests; and how many of these requests were
successful.
The Attorney-General said that in the 12-month period ending
31 March 1989 14 requests were received. Of these requests six
were granted, five were refused, two were withdrawn and one is
still being considered.

Mr Harry Barnet asked the Attorney-General in what circumstances,
when he refuses leave to apply to the High Court for a fresh
inquest, hc supplies reasons for his decision; and if he will
make a statement.
The Attorney-General replied that if I decline to give my
authority for an application to the High Court under section 13
of the Coroners Act 1988 1 do so because I consider that the
application would have no reasonable prospect of establishing
that it is necessary or desirable in the interests of justice for
a fresh inquest to be held. In such circumstances it is not my
practice to give a more particular reason.