HC Deb 15 November 1973 vol 864 cc653-4
9. Mr. McMaster

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes he is planning in the name, structure or organisation of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

Mr. van Straubenzee

As my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State have consistently made clear, the RUC will remain the police force in Northern Ireland.

Mr. McMaster

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer as far as it goes, but he has not said anything about the name of the Royal Ulster Constabulary which has caused some concern in my constituency. Is he aware of the concern that is felt by many senior officers in the police force about the requirement that in future they must have two years' experience outside Northern Ireland before being eligible for further promotion? Will he look into that matter? In many cases it will be impractical to expect senior officers to leave Northern Ireland for two years at this stage.

Mr. van Straubenzee

I would hope that my original answer was extremely clear. Indeed, the Royal Ulster Constabulary is a very proud title. It will remain the police force in Northern Ireland.

My experience from discussions with senior police officers is that, like officers in other forces in the United Kingdom, they will recognise the great value of experience at some point in a man's career in a force other than the one in which he spends the greater part of his time.

Mr. Orme

Is the Minister aware that the Opposition welcome the fact that the Police Federation of the RUC has recently had discussions with political parties, including the SDLP? This has not happened before, and we hope that it augurs well for the future. In this regard many of us believe that stage 3 is idiotic, but it is more particularly idiotic when applied to Northern Ireland. What is the hon. Gentleman's attitude to the Police Federation's recent claim and the Government's refusal to make special payments to the RUC?

Mr. van Straubenzee

I also welcome, and am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for drawing attention to, the increasing contact between the political parties and the Police Federation. I will avoid commenting this afternoon on the particular financial matter. On the broader question, I draw the hon. Gentleman's attention to a very important and far-reaching speech by the Chief Constable yesterday about the rôle of the RUC in future. I think that will repay study.