Section 6
Inquiry or inquest on deaths from accidents
of Hydrogen Cyanide (Fumigation) Act 1953
Where a Magistrate holds an inquiry or inquest upon the body of any person whose death may have been caused by any
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Hydrogen Cyanide (Fumigation)
accident of which notice is required by this Act to be given to the
Minister, the Magistrate shall adjourn the inquiry or inquest unless some person on behalf of the Minister is present to watch the proceedings:
Provided that, if the accident has not occasioned the death of more than one person, and the Magistrate has sent to the Minister notice of the time and place of holding the inquiry or inquest not less than forty-eight hours before the time of the holding thereof, it shall not be imperative on him to adjourn the inquiry or inquest in pursuance of this section if the Magistrate think it unnecessary that he should do so.
(2)
The Magistrate before adjournment may take evidence to identify the body and may order the interment thereof.
(3)
The Magistrate, at least four days before holding the adjourned inquiry or inquest, shall send to the Minister notice in writing of the time and place of holding the adjourned inquiry or inquest.
(4)
A person appearing on behalf of the Minister shall be at liberty at any such inquiry or inquest as aforesaid to examine any witness, subject nevertheless to the order of the Magistrate on points of law.
(5)
Where at any inquiry or inquest there is given evidence of any neglect having caused or contributed to an accident, the Magistrate shall, if no person retained on behalf of the Minister is present at the inquiry or inquest, send to the Minister notice in writing of the neglect.