Update on Chief Coroner...

I think what Mr Djanogly meant to say was "I don't have a clue about when the Chief Coroner will be appointed, ask the Lord Chief Justice...."  Still his answers don't appear to encourage the notion that we will have a CC any time soon......

Chief Coroner

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice by what date he expects to appoint the Chief Coroner. [87471]

Mr Djanogly: The Lord Chief Justice is responsible for appointing the chief coroner under schedule 8 to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. We are continuing to discuss the matter, including timescales, with the Lord Chief Justice.

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent discussions he has had with (a) his ministerial colleagues and (b) the senior judiciary on the appointment of a Chief Coroner. [87686]

Mr Djanogly: The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke), and I have discussed the appointment of a Chief Coroner with the Lord Chief Justice in recent weeks. We have not, however, had any discussions with ministerial colleagues on this issue.

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) when he expects (a) to announce the appointment of a Chief Coroner and (b) the Chief Coroner to take-up his or her post; [87688]

(2) when he plans to announce who will be appointed as a Chief Coroner. [87764]

Mr Djanogly: The Lord Chief Justice is responsible for appointing the Chief Coroner under schedule 8 to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. We are continuing to discuss this matter, including timescales, with the Lord Chief Justice.

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Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether he plans to meet bereavement organisations to discuss the appointment of a Chief Coroner; and when such meetings will take place. [87690]

Mr Djanogly: Ministry of Justice officials plan to meet bereavement organisations in the new year to discuss implementation of the coroner reforms in the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. However, under schedule 8 to the Act, the appointment of the Chief Coroner is a matter for the Lord Chief Justice, following consultation with the Lord Chancellor.

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether he proposes that the Chief Coroner will be a High Court judge. [87767]

Mr Djanogly: Under Schedule 8 to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 the Chief Coroner must be either a High Court judge or a Circuit judge. Appoin