HC Deb 17 June 1998 vol 314 cc252-3W
14. Mr. Blizzard

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has for the future of policing in Northern Ireland. [44753]

16. Mr. Grogan

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on her Department's plans for the future policing of Northern Ireland. [44755]

Mr. Ingram

The Government are committed to securing the best possible police service for Northern Ireland. The Police (Northern Ireland) Bill, currently under consideration in another place, is intended to improve efficiency, effectiveness and accountability arrangements, within the tripartite structure. It will also establish the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. Work is in hand on implementing changes to police discipline and performance management systems, flowing from the Police (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 1995. Policing is also part of the Comprehensive Spending Review, and of the Cross Cutting Review of Criminal Justice, both of which seek improvements to service delivery and value for money. The Government recently published a consultation paper "Your Voice—Your Choice" on the community police interface and on the make up of, and method of appointment to, the Police Authority; we are considering the responses. In addition, the Belfast Agreement (Cmnd 3883) sets out principles for policing and terms of reference for an independent Commission on Policing. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to the hon. Member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone (Mr. Maginnis) on 3 June 1998, Official Report, columns 216-17.

The Government will continue to work with the Royal Ulster Constabulary and Police Authority to look for, and implement, improvements to the police service in Northern Ireland. Furthermore, if a peaceful society is achieved, then inevitably questions will have to be faced about the size of the police service. We are on the record as saying that any changes in this area will be handled sensitively and with generosity.