§ 2. Mr. Ken Maginnis (Fermanagh and South Tyrone)If she will make a statement on the definition of operational matters as it applies to the responsibilities of the Chief Constable and of the General Officer Commanding. [64855]
§ The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. Adam Ingram)Under statutory arrangements for the tripartite governance of policing, the Chief Constable has responsibility for the "direction and control" of the police force. The Government fully recognise the importance of the operational independence of the police.
The armed forces in Northern Ireland provide military aid for the civil powers in support of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. As such, all operational military activity is provided to support the RUC.
§ Mr. MaginnisIn so far as that is the case, will the Minister reassure me that decisions made by the Chief 893 Constable for operational reasons and supported by the GOC are not exploited unwisely by the Northern Ireland Office for political reasons? Will he reassure me that explanations for action by the Chief Constable for strictly operational reasons need not be made public solely to placate Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness and other members of Sinn Fein-IRA? Will the Minister also reassure me that neither he nor the Secretary of State will give assurances about where police stations will or will not be rebuilt after their destruction by IRA activity?
Most of us accept the need for community policing. Any refusal to restore police stations in towns such as Ballygawley would be deeply resented.
§ Mr. IngramThe hon. Gentleman has asked a number of questions. Let me deal with what I consider to be the main thrust of his inquiries.
The Chief Constable, and the GOC who supports him, constitute between them one of the main providers of security advice for the Secretary of State. They operate—this is certainly true of the Chief Constable—entirely in relation to the entitlement to operational independence that I defined in my answer. There is a good working relationship: there is a good partnership between all involved in the delivery of security in Northern Ireland. That will continue.
The hon. Gentleman asked about the Ballygawley RUC station. Having visited Ballygawley last autumn, I understand the point that he is making; but the Chief Constable must decide on his priorities in terms of the building or rebuilding of stations. He has submitted his proposals on a prioritised basis, and the Secretary of State has accepted them. To that extent, his view has prevailed.