§ Sir James KilfedderTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will lay before Parliament the annual report of the Independent Commission for Police Complaints for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Patrick MayhewThe report, which is the fifth annual report to be produced by the commission since its establishment in 1988, has been laid before Parliament today. It provides a detailed account of the commission's oversight of police conduct, including the supervision of complaints against the police and the commission's role in disciplinary proceedings once a complaint has been investigated.
It is essential that the community has confidence in the integrity of the police and the commission has a vital role in ensuring that complaints are fairly and properly investigated and that appropriate action is taken. Throughout the report, by providing detailed explanations of its work in investigating actual complaints, the commission demonstrates the high standards and dedication which it applies to its task.
I am grateful to the commission for all its work. I have no doubt that it will continue to contribute significantly to the enhancement of public confidence in the RUC. In this it has my full support.