§ Mr. MaginnisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will lay before Parliament the 1994–97 triennial review of the Independent Commission for Police Complaints in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [11470]
§ Sir Patrick MayhewI have today arranged for the 1994–97 triennial review of the Independent Commission for Police Complaints to be laid before Parliament.
This is the third triennial review by the commission since it was established in 1988 and, although it largely follows the approach of the other two, it also considers the vexed issue of who should investigate the police. A chapter setting out the strengths and weaknesses of four possible models is included.
The commission makes seven recommendations for change, including on the nature of the disciplinary tribunal, the standard of proof, the commission's involvement in non-complaint cases and recording of complaints.
The Government will be considering the recommendations in the light of the report of the review of the police complaints system in Northern Ireland by Dr. Hayes which is due to be published later this month.