asked the Minister for Justice whether it is his intention to amend the law in any respect relating to the conduct of inquests and the powers and functions of coroners.

The law in relation to the conduct of inquests and the powers and functions of coroners is contained in the Coroners Act, 1962. For reasons which have been explained in this House on previous occasions, I could not undertake to indicate, by way of reply to parliamentary questions, what specific legislative proposals I might have in a particular area. Such proposals are announced in the normal course after Government approval has been obtained. I can say, however, that I have at present no proposals to amend the Coroners Act.