Two cases of alleged mistreatment of Iraqis by British forces have reached "an advanced stage with decisions on prosecutions pending", the British Defence Secretary Mr Geoff Hoon told the Commons today.
He told MPs that the British Government "unreservedly apologise to any Iraqis where the evidence shows they have been mistreated".
Mr Hoon maintained that the International Committee of the Red Cross had highlighted three concerns regarding UK forces.
One was the death in custody of Baha Maliki in September last year which was already being investigated.
The second was the "routine hooding of prisoners", which Mr Hoon said "had already ceased in UK facilities from September last year, and this change has also been confirmed publicly".
In the third case, a detainee had said his car was confiscated and had been given a claim form but no response had been forthcoming from him.
Mr Hoon added: "The ICRC report was not seen by ministers until very recently."
It had been a report to the Coalition Provisional Authority. A follow-up report specific to the UK was anticipated and the action necessary to address the Red Cross's concerns had alredy been taken in the three cases mentioned.
Prime Minister Tony Blair insisted today that he had still not seen the ICRC report, which is said to have been presented to the Government in February.
Mr Hoon repeated Mr Blair's plea that although allegations of misconduct were taken seriously, "we should not lose sight of the fact that thousands of our service personnel continue to serve their country with distinction around the world".