18A.—(1) The purpose of an inquest shall be to establish—

(a) the identity of the person in relation to whose death the inquest is being held,

(b) how, when and where the death occurred, and

(c) to the extent that the coroner holding the inquest considers it necessary, the circumstances in which the death occurred,

and to make findings in respect of those matters (in this Act referred to as "findings") and return a verdict.

(2) If, at an inquest, the coroner or, where he or she is sitting with a jury, the jury is unable to make findings in respect of any of the matters specified in paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (1), the coroner may adjourn the inquest for such period as he or she thinks proper.

(3) If, on the resumption of an inquest adjourned under subsection (2), the coroner or, as the case may be, the jury remains unable to make findings in respect of any matter specified in paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (1), the coroner shall record such findings as are made under those paragraphs and the verdict returned and shall close the inquest.]