§ Lord Bradshawasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is their intention to impose a statutory obligation regarding Best Value on the British Transport Police, as is the case with other police authorities. [HL2259]
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord Macdonald of Tradeston)The British Transport Police Committee, who are responsible for overseeing the administration of the force, have decided voluntarily to adopt the principles of Best Value and are preparing a Best Value Plan which will commence in 2001.
The Government have announced in another place on 31 July 1998, Official Report, col. 637W, their intention to seek to establish an independent national police authority for the BTP when a suitable legislative opportunity arises. Consideration will be given to including a statutory requirement for the authority to adopt Best Value within this legislation.