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Written question asked by Lord Tyrie (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 October 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 October 2010. It was answered by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Monday, 18 October 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Rendition

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 6 July 2010, Official Report, columns 175-178, on the treatment of detainees, and the Prime Minister's letter to the right hon. Sir Peter Gibson of the same date, what separate arrangements his Department has made to address allegations relating to military detention operations in Iraq and Afghanistan after 2003; and if he will make a statement.
Answer

The separate arrangements made by the Ministry of Defence to address the allegations comprise several elements which look both at the historical issues arising from operations in Iraq, where we no longer conduct detention operations, and the current arrangements in those theatres of operations where UK forces are still deployed. Legislative provisions to ensure that we can deal robustly and transparently with allegations are contained in the Armed Forces Act 2006.In respect of allegations against British Forces in Iraq, we have established a dedicated Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) to enhance our capacity to review and investigate all such claims. Following the conclusion of an investigation into any particular allegation, the IHAT will report their findings to the Provost Marshal (Army) and, where justified, disciplinary action will be taken against those who may have behaved inappropriately. Separately, and with the full co-operation of the Ministry of Defence, the Baha Mousa Inquiry has been looking into the circumstances relating to the tragic death of Baha Mousain2003.In respect of current operations, in March this year the MOD's Strategic Detention Policy was published. This document informs subordinate doctrine, instructions and procedures relating to detention. In addition, early this year the Chief of the General Staff directed the Army Inspector to undertake a review into the implementation of policy, training and conduct of detainee handling. This review has looked at detention handling in the round, drawing on recent experiences and current practices, and has resulted in a number of recommendations which will be taken forward under new governance mechanisms. The key findings were set out in a statement to the House by the Minister for the Armed Forces on 14 September 2010, Official Report, column 35WS.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
17945; 516 c489-90W
Session
2010-12
Related items
Treatment of Detainees
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
Proceeding contributions
House of Commons
Subjects
Rendition
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk