Report (1st Day)
Coroners and Justice Bill
6:45 pm
Lord Ramsbotham (Crossbench)
I am grateful to all noble Lords who have taken part in this debate and to the Minister for his reply. My understanding has always been responsibility, yes; liability, no. That is what I was seeking to enshrine. The Minister mentioned that the inquest is inquisitorial. It is not always seen as inquisitorial, particularly by families who take part. They see it as very adversarial. They are always at the back of what I am saying because this is at the heart of the Bill. They are as anxious as anyone else to find out precisely what has happened and who may have been responsible for any contributory negligence.
However, in view of all that the Minister has said, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment 16 withdrawn.
Amendment 17 not moved.
Schedule 1 : Duty or power to suspend or resume investigations
Amendment 18
Moved by Lord Tunnicliffe
18: Schedule 1, page 119, line 25, after "(c. 52)" insert "(or section 70 of the Army Act 1955 (3 & 4 Eliz. 2 c. 18), section 70 of the Air Force Act 1955 (3 & 4 Eliz. 2 c. 19) or section 42 of the Naval Discipline Act 1957 (c. 53))"