§ Mr. McNultyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures she is taking to implement the proposals made in the Labour Party discussion paper "Policing in Northern Ireland—A Service for All People"(a) to reform the method of appointment of members of the Police Authority and (b) in respect of the role of community police liaison committees. [28959]
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§ Marjorie MowlamAs my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State informed the House on 15 December 1997,Official Report, columns 100–04, I intend to issue a consultation paper before the start of the Committee Stage of the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill, outlining some options for changes to strengthen the Police Authority, and the Community Police Liaison Committees so developing further the partnership between the police and the community, which is essential to combating crime of all kinds. Copies of that paper, "Your Voice—Your Choice", which is published today, have now been placed in the Library of the House. I have no set views on which, if any, of these options should be implemented, and I am keen to hear views on these important issues. Decisions must await the outcome of the consultation process; and developments in the talks.