Written question asked by Jeremy Corbyn (Labour) on Monday, 23 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 April 2001. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Thursday, 26 April 2001 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, by what criteria Dr Michael Denham was selected to assess the capacity of Augusto Pinochet to stand trial; which other consultants were considered; and what objections were made to his appointment.

Answer: Mr. Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what criteria Dr. Michael Denham was selected to assess the capacity of Augusto Pinochet to stand trial; which other consultants were considered; and what objections were made to his appointment. [158976] Mr. Straw: Dr. Denham was selected because he was a consultant physician in geriatric medicine, a medical specialism which was an essential component of the medical team for the purpose for which it was appointed, and because it was established that he was of outstanding national and international reputation in that specialism and had no inappropriate personal interest in the case. No objections were made to his appointment.

Secondary information