§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements have been made for the appointment of a new Police Authority in Northern Ireland following the expiry of the term of office of the previous authority on 28 June; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tom KingI have today appointed a new Police Authority for Northern Ireland for a term of three years. In making the appointments I have, as required by statute, consulted those organisations and persons who are representative of the community in Northern Ireland. I welcome the positive response that was generally made. As a result, the membership widely represents the whole community, and includes representatives from the district councils, universities, agriculture and commerce.
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Outcome of cases Year Service Offence Custodial sentence 1986 RUC 1. Discharge of firearm in a public place. 6 months suspended for 2 years on each charge 2. Possession of ammunition RUC Reserve Illegal possession of firearm and ammunition 2 years suspended for 2 years Regular Army 1. Murder 1. Life 2. Possession of firearms and ammunition with intent 2. 14 years Regular Army (4 persons) Wounding with intent 6 months suspended for 2 years (for all) Regular Army 1. 2 counts of assault on police 1. 3 months on each count 2. Assault occasioning actual bodily harm 2. 6 months Regular Army 1. Assault on police 1. 3 months 2. Assault occasioning actual bodily harm 2. 6 months Regular Army Burglary (4 counts) 6 months suspended for 2 years. (4 counts) UDR 1. Murder 1. Life 2. Possession of firearms and ammunition with intent 2. 14 years 3. Collecting information 3. 3 years 4. Robbery 4. 10 years UDR (4 persons) 1. Murder 1. Life(for all) 2. Possession of firearms with intent to endanger life 2. 14 years (for all except one) UDR 1. Kidnapping 1. 5 years 2. Blackmail 2. 5 years 3. Unlawful imprisonment 3. 5 years 4. Possession of firearms with intent 4. 5 years UDR 1. Burglary 1. 4 years 2. Malicious wounding 2. 4 years 3. Malicious wounding 3. 4 years 4. Possession of firearms with intent to endanger life 4. 12 months suspended for 3 years The Police Authority has an important role in securing and maintaining an adequate and efficient police service. I look forward to the continuation of the excellent working relationships which had been established with the outgoing authority, some of whose members are being reappointed.