HC Deb 20 March 1997 vol 292 c830W
Mr. Nigel Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make an announcement about the post of independent assessor for military complaints procedures which falls vacant on 31 March. [21650]

Sir Patrick Mayhew

I am happy to announce that Mr. Jim McDonald has accepted appointment to the post of independent assessor for military complaints procedures and he will take up the position on 1 April 1997.

I am grateful to him for accepting the appointment and am confident that he will provide a valuable contribution in what I consider to be an essential element in maintaining public confidence in the Army's complaints procedures.

I wish to express my appreciation and thanks to his predecessor, Mr. David Hewitt, for all his efforts and to fully acknowledge the contribution which he has made in the important area of Army complaints procedures.