How will the Inquiry work?
As indicated in Lord Penrose’s statement at the first preliminary hearing on 31 March 2009 he intends to conduct the Inquiry in two broad phases. Phase 1 This phase will involve gathering and assessing the available documentary evidence. The aim will be to establish as much as possible of the factual history, to identify the developing state of medical and scientific knowledge and to identify the controversial facts and issues requiring further investigation. During this phase orders will be made against the main holders of documents for the production of them and statements may be taken from witnesses to expand on documents or to explain particular issues. At the end of this phase it is intended to produce a preliminary report setting out the facts and the medical and scientific opinions that have been identified and identifying the issues remaining to be resolved. Phase 2 This phase is likely to involve holding public hearings into the issues that have been identified as requiring fu
