Ministers try to avert Kelly inquest and end speculation by calling for post mortem details to be published on the internet



Ministers want to publish details of Dr David Kelly's post-mortem examination online to end speculation about the weapons inspector's death.

Downing Street yesterday welcomed the disclosure that Attorney General Dominic Grieve is to review calls for a full inquest.

But the Mail has learned ministers would prefer to release the papers without an inquest, out of concern for the scientist's family.

Home Office pathologist Dr Nicholas Hunt said at the weekend he would welcome an inquest into the death of Dr Kelly, right

Officials say Mr Grieve is determined to find a way to 'draw a line' under the affair that avoids upsetting Dr Kelly's widow Janice.

Nicholas Hunt, the pathologist who examined Dr Kelly's body, said at the weekend that the death was a 'textbook case' of suicide and demanded an inquest.

A Government source said Dr Hunt's intervention could give ministers 'a dignified way out' of the controversy over the findings of the Hutton Report.

Dr Kelly, 59, was found dead in July 2003, a week after he was identified as the source of a BBC story claiming the Government 'sexed up' its dossier on Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction.

Lord Hutton's inquiry placed a 70-year ban on the publication of files relating to Dr Kelly's death.

But a senior source said: 'It is clear from what Nicholas Hunt has said that there is nothing to hide and it may be that it is better to publish the papers.'

The power to release the papers resides with Justice Secretary Ken Clarke, though Mr Grieve has the legal right to demand access.

A decision is likely to be made after MPs return from summer recess next month. David Cameron's spokesman said: 'It's a matter for the Attorney General.'

