§ Mr. Clifford ForsytheTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to announce the appointment of an independent commissioner for the holding centres.
§ Sir Patrick MayhewI am pleased to announce. that I have today appointed Sir Louis Blom-Cooper QC as independent commissioner for the holding centres. Sir Louis is a highly respected legal figure who will bring considerable experience to the post. The principal role of the commissioner will be to provide further reassurance that persons suspected of involvement in terrorism who are detained in the holding centres are fairly treated and that the wide-ranging statutory and administrative safeguards already in place are being properly applied. A copy of the commissioner's terms of reference will be placed in the Library. Sir Louis' appointment as commissioner will be for three years in the first instance. He will take up his duties early in the new year.