§ Mr. O'Halloranasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the report of the working party on the procedure for investigating complaints against the police will be published; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe report is being laid before Parliament and published today. I accept the principal recommendation of the working party that an independent element be introduced into the complaints procedure in Northern Ireland similar to that proposed for England and Wales, and I am considering whether any additional measures are appropriate in the light of the special circumstances in Northern Ireland. I intend to publish a proposal for legislation in due course.