05 October 2007
Additional funding has been agreed for military inquests in the Wiltshire and Swindon jurisdiction.
Following ongoing discussions with the Wiltshire and Swindon coroner, David Masters, about the inquests of service personnel repatriated through RAF Lyneham, the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Defence have agreed to provide the coroner with additional funding to ensure that a backlog of inquests does not develop in his jurisdiction. There is currently no backlog in the Wiltshire and Swindon jurisdiction.
Mr Masters will now be able to engage an additional deputy coroner and coroner's officer and administrative support. He will also be able to provide appropriate accommodation to hold inquests of service personnel. These extra resources will help to ensure that bereaved families are responded to speedily and sensitively.
Mr Masters intends to continue his practice of transferring inquests to a coroner closer to the bereaved family, where possible.
Media enquiries on this statement should be directed to Peter O'Connor, Ministry of Justice press office, on 020 7210 8913, or Paul Starbrook, Ministry of Defence press office, on 020 7218 2661.