Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953

16 Information concerning death in a house

(1) The following provisions of this section shall have effect where a person dies in a house.

(2) The following persons shall be qualified to give information concerning the death, that is to say—

(a) any relative of the deceased person present at the death or in attendance during his last illness ;

(b) any other relative of the deceased residing or being in the sub-district where the death occurred;

(c) any person present at the death ;

(d) the occupier of the house if he knew of the happening of the death;

(e) any inmate of the house who knew of the happening of the death;

(f) the person causing the disposal of the body.

(3) It shall be the duty—

(a) of the nearest relative such as is mentioned in paragraph (a) of the last foregoing subsection ; or

(b) if there is no such relative, of each such relative as is mentioned in paragraph (b) of that subsection ; or

(c) if there are no such relatives, of each such person as is mentioned in paragraph (c) or (d) of that subsection ; or

(d) if there are no such relatives or persons as aforesaid, of each such person as is mentioned in paragraph (e) or (f) of that subsection,

to give to the registrar, before the expiration of five days from the date of the death, information to the best of his knowledge and belief if the particulars required to be registered concerning the death, and in the presence of the registrar to sign the register:

Provided that—

(i) the giving of information and the signing of the register by any one qualified informant shall act as a discharge of any duty under this subsection of every other qualified informant;

(ii) this subsection shall not have effect if an inquest is held on the body or touching the death of the deceased person.