HC Deb 28 July 2000 vol 354 cc1005-6W
Dr. Stoate

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make an announcement about the post of Independent Commissioner for Holding Centres. [133790]

Mr. Mandelson

I am happy to announce that Dr. William Norris has accepted appointment to the post of Independent Commissioner for the Holding Centres and will take up the position on 1 October 2000.

I am grateful to him for accepting the appointment and am confident that he will provide a valuable contribution in monitoring the care and treatment of detainees held in Holding Centres for as long as the Centres remain open and will produce well informed annual reports.

I wish to express my appreciation and thanks to his predecessor, Sir Louis Blom-Cooper, for the very valuable work he has done over the past eight years and the invaluable reassurances he has provided to the Government and to the public that detainees have been treated fairly and properly.

Mr. Barron

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he has taken to fill the post of Independent Assessor of Military Complaints Procedures when the present incumbent's term of office ends on 24 August. [133791]

Mr. Mandelson

The Government continue to value highly the work of the Independent Assessor of Military Complaints Procedures. I have today re-appointed Mr. Jim McDonald as Independent Assessor of Military Complaints Procedures in Northern Ireland. Mr. McDonald's appointment will continue until 24 August 2003.