§ Mr. HesfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the Patten Commission's report on policing in Northern Ireland. [103958]
§ Mr. IngramOn 9 September 1999 the Patten Commission issued their report and the Secretary of State announced that the Government accepted their findings in principle. A copy of this statement has been placed in the Library of the House. As required by the Belfast Agreement, the Government consulted with various parties. Although the formal period of consultation ended on 30 November 1999, decisions have not yet been made34W on the proposals. It is the Secretary of State's intention that an announcement on Government decisions taken in light of the consultation process, and the next steps, will be made in due course.