HC Deb 18 September 2003 vol 410 cc946-7W
Alistair Burt

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will widen the terms of reference of the inquiry by Mr. Stephen Shaw into the Yarlswood fire to include the conduct of Group 4(a) in the period leading up to 14 February 2002 and (b) on the night of 14 February 2002. [129675]

Beverley Hughes

There is no need to do so. Stephen Shaw's terms of reference are such as to allow him to consider matters leading up to the events on 14 and 15 February last year.

Alistair Burt

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will urge Mr. Stephen Shaw to take evidence in public during the inquiry into the events surrounding the fire at the Yarlswood Removal Centre on 14 February 2002. [129676]

Beverley Hughes

No. In view of the interest shown in the events at Yarlswood last February, we concluded that it would be preferable for the outcome of the investigation to be fully independent. Stephen Shaw was asked to take overall responsibility for the investigation. A full public inquiry would not be appropriate.

Alistair Burt

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the report presented to him in September 2002 by Mr. Stephen Moore about events leading up to, and including, the fire at Yarlswood on 14 February 2002. [129681]

Beverley Hughes

No. The material gathered by Stephen Moore must be regarded as work in progress, which Stephen Shaw will draw on as part of his inquiry.

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