§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will take measures to ensure that the composition of the staff of the proposed Policing Board, Northern Ireland Office Police Division and Office of Police Ombudsman are broadly reflective of the population of Northern Ireland as a whole; [107814]
(2) when he intends to report on the role of district policing partnerships in Belfast; and what representations he has received on this matter; [107806]
(3) pursuant to his oral statement of 19 January 2000, Official Report, columns 845–48, when he will appoint the Oversight Commissioner; and if he will set out the person specification and job description for the Oversight Commissioner; [107810]
(4) who he plans will be responsible for the periodic review of progress towards a routinely unarmed police service in Northern Ireland recommended by the Patten report; how often these reviews will take place; and if their findings will be laid before the House; [107811]
(5) if he will outline the criteria by which the Policing Board will make a decision on the badge for the proposed Police Service for Northern Ireland; and if he will ensure that proposals be made public; [107809]
(6) what plans he has to develop a tenure policy for police officers; and if he will ensure that officers involved in security work are included in it. [107813]
§ Mr. IngramThe Secretary of State made a statement in the House on 19 January 2000,Official Report, columns 845–48, setting out the Government's response to the Patten Report. The Government are considering a number of detailed issues in relation to the Report and will make its decisions clear in due course.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will ensure that the proposed policing board will possess the power to call upon the chief constable to retire in the interests of efficiency and effectiveness, subject to the approval of the secretary of state. [107805]
486W
Year Handgun Shotgun Air weapon Rifle Machine gun Other Imitation/replica firearms 1989–90 772 90 17 142 28 231 58 1990–91 797 107 8 122 38 86 51 1991–92 861 105 8 169 28 60 44 1992–93 1,035 126 15 148 28 12 57
§ Mr. IngramThe Government accept the recommendations of the Patten report that the Policing Board should, with the Secretary of State's approval, be able to call upon the chief constable to retire in the interests of efficiency and effectiveness.
§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met members of the Northern Ireland Police Federation to discuss his plans to reform the Royal Ulster Constabulary. [107614]
§ Mr. IngramMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State last met with members of the Northern Ireland Police Federation on Tuesday 11 January 2000 to discuss the Patten report.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will establish a public register of interests and associations for the police in Northern Ireland which will include currently serving officers. [107816]
§ Mr. IngramNo. The Patten report does not recommend a public register.