§ David BurnsideTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the accessibility of Police Service of Northern Ireland sporting and social facilities and premises to former members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. [135444]
§ Jane KennedyI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Strangford (Mrs. Robinson) on 16 September 2003,Official Report, column 727W, in respect of access to PSNI sporting facilities. This is a matter for the Chief Constable.
With regard to access to PSNI social facilities, this is a matter for the Council of the RUC Athletic Association, however I am advised that under rule 5 of the Association, retired RUC officers are full members along with serving officers of the PSNI.