§ Alistair BurtTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether(a) he, (b) a Minister and (c) an official from his Department will attend the select committee inquiry of the Bedfordshire county council into the Yarl's Wood fire; and if he will make a statement. [55983]
§ Angela EagleI can confirm that a senior Home Office official will attend the Bedfordshire county council inquiry.
§ Alistair BurtTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his Department's inquiry into the incident at Yarl's Wood will convene; what its terms of reference will be; whether it will be held in public; and if he will make a statement. [55978]
§ Angela EagleThe inquiry being conducted by Stephen Moore into the events at Yarl's Wood convened in February 2002 and is ongoing. The terms of reference for the inquiry are to inquire into the events at Yarl's Wood removal centre on the night of 14–15 February 2002 and their causes and to make recommendations designed to minimise the risk of recurrence on the Immigration and Nationality Directorate custodial estate in relation to contracts and agreements with service providers, the operation of removal centres, building design and construction, and any other matters considered relevant.
The inquiry will take full account of the inquiries being undertaken by Bedfordshire police, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Group 4, and will be conducted in a way which does not impede any criminal investigation. In addition, the inquiry will have available expert advice from Her Majesty's Prison Service on matters to do with the above matters.
Although not a public inquiry, observations and concerns may be expressed direct to Stephen Moore. The findings of the inquiry will, however, be published.