HL Deb 22 January 2003 vol 643 cc93-4WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will now publish the report by Stephen Moore on the fire at Yarl's Wood detention centre on 14 February 2001, together with the reports on the fire by the Bedfordshire Police and the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service; and what decision they have made about bringing the undamaged part of the detention centre into operation. [HL1084]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Filkin)

Stephen Moore's terms of reference require him to take full account of inquiries being undertaken by the Bedfordshire police and the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. He is also required to conduct his inquiry in a way that would not impede any criminal investigation. Criminal trials arising out of the events at Yarl's Wood on 14 and 15 February are listed for April 2003. Consideration is therefore still being given as to when the report can be completed and published.

Publication of any reports by the Bedfordshire police and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service must be a matter for them.

No decision has yet been taken about bringing the undamaged part of the centre into operation.