§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he intends to relinquish control of the Royal Ulster Constabularly in favour of its being made accountable for operational security matters, as well as for general policing policy, to the Northern Ireland Police Authority.
§ Mr. Prior[pursuant to his reply, 16 February 1982, c. 105]: The operational control of the Royal Ulster Constabulary is the independent responsibility of the Chief Constable who is ultimately accountable to the Police Authority for Northern Ireland for the discharge of his functions.
General security policy, which includes policing policy, is my responsibility. I have no intention of altering this position.