HC Deb 02 March 2004 vol 418 c922W
Alistair Burt

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will publish in full the two reports of the Prisons Ombudsman, concerning the Yarl's Wood Detention Centre in North East Bedfordshire when he receives them; and if he will make a statement; [157105]

(2) when he expects to receive the reports from the Prisons Ombudsman, on (a) the circumstances surrounding the fire at Yarl's Wood on 14 February 2002 and (b) the allegations of racism among security staff at Yarl's Wood. [157106]

Beverley Hughes

I can confirm that both reports will be published in full, once I have the opportunity to consider carefully their contents.

With regard to Stephen Shaw's inquiry into the events at Yarl's Wood on 14/15 February 2002 there is an expectation that it will be submitted to me this summer.

I can confirm that a draft of Stephen Shaw's separate report into allegations of racism at Yarl's Wood has now been received. Stephen Shaw has yet to finalise the report in a form suitable for publication. When he has done so and I have considered its contents, I will make arrangements for its publication as soon as possible.