§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for Contract Location Northern Ireland when he intends to lay before Parliament Mr. David Hewitt's second annual report as independent assessor of military complaints procedures in Northern Ireland [30621]
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§ Sir Patrick MayhewI have today arranged for the second annual report of the independent assessor of military complaints procedures in Northern Ireland to be laid before each House of Parliament. I welcome this report which clearly demonstrates the thoroughness with which the assessor has approached his task. I note with satisfaction that the General Officer Commanding has been able to accept all five of the report's recommendations. This fully justifies the assessor's comment that
the Army continues to be seriously committed to proper investigation of genuine complaints as part of its overall strategy, which increasingly understands the value of public acceptability and fostering good community relations.The Army's presence on the streets of Northern Ireland is, of course, diminishing. But while there still remains a need for the Army to patrol in support of the Royal Ulster Constabulary there will still clearly be a need for the post of independent assessor. I look forward to the day when there will be no further need for it.