To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs pursuant to her statement of 12 October 2006, Official Report, column 26WS, on Oxfordshire inquests, what the projected time scale is for conducting the outstanding inquests; and if she will make further provision to deal with future cases arising from armed forces and civilian deaths in conflict. (95619)

It is expected that all inquests into deaths which occurred before 16 May 2006 and where the Ministry of Defence has completed its inquiries and case papers have been prepared will be either heard or listed before the end of this year. Inquests into deaths which occurred on or after 16 May will be heard as soon as possible. Discussions on the future arrangements for such cases are ongoing between officials in the Ministry of Defence, the coroner and this Department.