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WILLIAMS CHALLENGES MINISTRY OF JUSTICE OVER CORONER NUMBERS
February 11, 2009 9:57 AM
Roger Williams, MP for Brecon and Radnorshire and Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, has challenged Jack Straw MP, Secretary of State Justice, on the drop in coroner numbers
Following the amalgamation of the coroner for Powys with Bridgend and the Valleys, Mr Williams has been picking up a lot of concern about the future of the coroners system in rural Wales.
If this system is over centralised then access to the service and inquests could be severely restricted in rural areas where public transport is inadequate.
Roger Williams MP said:
"Inquests are very stressful for families involved and I have a number of examples where inquests have been delayed and even the release of bodies for burial has been delayed.
"A more remote system will not help.
"When the new legislation is introduced the number of coroners is likely to be reduced from 110 to 60 across England and Wales.
"The minister gave me assurance that no changes would be made without consultation but we have so many instances where rural people's views aren't listened too by urban-centric governments."
NOTES:
The full text of the exchange between Mr Williams and Mr Straw can be found here: http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090203/debtext/90203-0002.htm
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