HC Deb 02 May 1996 vol 276 cc1289-90
8. Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to restructure the Royal Ulster Constabulary. [26382]

Sir John Wheeler

My right hon. and learned Friend yesterday published a White Paper detailing proposals to improve and clarify the accountability and effectiveness of the police service in Northern Ireland. Separately, the fundamental review of policing continues. Conclusions are expected in the summer.

Mr. Corbyn

Does the Minister concede that the report itself states that there are serious differences between the confidence felt in the police by the nationalist and loyalist communities in Northern Ireland? Full restructuring should take place as a matter of urgency, including an examination of recruitment methods and a change in the name of the Northern Ireland police force, which should no longer be known as the Royal Ulster Constabulary. That will inspire greater confidence in the police among the nationalist community.

Sir John Wheeler

The White Paper was about improving the tripartite structure. Some aspects of the hon. Gentleman's question relate, perhaps, to the fundamental review of policing that will take place in the summer, but there is a strong desire to see recruitment into the Royal Ulster Constabulary reflect the character of the population as a whole, and there is some sign of a welcome improvement. That is the objective of the police authority and chief constable.

Sir John Cope

Although I welcome my right hon. Friend's suggestions, having personal knowledge of the RUC, I ask him to be most cautious to do nothing that would damage the morale of the RUC, as that would be unwise and dangerous, particularly while the terrorists are fully active and armed, as they are at present. Does not the maintenance of the rule of law over many years owe much to the bravery, skill and restraint of the RUC?

Sir John Wheeler

My right hon. Friend is right to point to the fact that we do not have a ceasefire in Northern Ireland. The provisional IRA remains a serious and formidable threat, and the officers of the RUC are on the front line. We should not forget that. Nor should we forget that every test of public opinion in Northern Ireland shows that the RUC is increasingly seen as an effective police service, responding to the needs of the public, which is what it wishes to do.

Mr. Worthington

We welcome yesterday's White Paper on policing, but does it not fudge on one central issue? Will not the police authority have the independent strength that it needs only when representatives of the local authorities, professions, trade unions and industry are chosen by the bodies themselves, and when it is not a quango selected by the Secretary of State?

Sir John Wheeler

The Government are open minded about the way in which members of the police authority find their places on that body. The appointments method currently employed at least has the virtue that it enables my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State to select people from all parts of the community in Northern Ireland and to ensure that the police authority is as fairly balanced and representative as possible. For the future, however, there may be other ways of securing people to the membership of the authority which reflects some of the democratic systems in Northern Ireland, or how they might emerge. It is a matter on which the Government's mind is open.