To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs pursuant to the Answer of 14 June 2006, Official Report, columns 1255-67W, on Dr. David Kelly, what discussions took place between (a) the coroner, (b) the deputy coroner, (c) the assistant deputy coroner of Oxfordshire and (d) anyone else responsible to the Oxfordshire coroner and (i) her Department and (ii) Lord Hutton before the local registrar’s decision to issue a certified copy of entry in the register of deaths for Dr. David Kelly. (81212)

Dr. Kelly’s death was registered on 18 August 2003 following the adjournment of the inquest at the request of the Lord Chancellor under Section 17A of the Coroners Act 1988. My officials met the coroner on 11 August 2003. At the outset of Lord Hutton’s inquiry the coroner was in contact with the inquiry secretariat to explore the boundaries of their respective jurisdictions and to provide the inquiry with information relating to Dr. Kelly’s death. No other discussions took place between the coroner, the deputy coroner, the assistant deputy coroner of Oxfordshire and anyone else responsible to the Oxfordshire coroner and either my Department or Lord Hutton.