§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to reappoint Mr. David Hewitt as independent assessor of military complaints procedures in Northern Ireland. [6792]
§ Sir Patrick MayhewI have today reappointed David Hewitt as independent assessor of military complaints procedures in Northern Ireland until 31 March 1997.
The Army's presence on the streets of Northern Ireland in support of the RUC has, of course, diminished greatly since the cessation of military operations announced by the IRA and the loyalist paramilitaries, but the Government believe that there remains a useful role for the independent assessor although the need for the post will be kept under review.