§ Mr. McCuskerTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what driving skills training is available to police officers in Northern Ireland; what encouragement is offered to them to take up this training; and how many police officers have taken the advanced driving test in 1986, 1987 and 1988, respectively.
§ Mr. Ian StewartAll qualified drivers who join the Royal Ulster Constabulary are given a four-week initial standard driving course as part of their initial training. On passing this course to the required standard they are appointed as police drivers. No officer may drive a police vehicle unless appointed as a police driver. Throughout an officer's career he or she may at any time apply to become an advanced driver or motor cyclist. Each application is considered on its merit and a high percentage are so trained. Numbers trained were as follows:
Advanced driving courses 1986 1987 1988 Number of officers trained 102 90 70 Number passed 97 86 67