§ Mr. Spencerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is making changes in the membership of the Police Complaints Authority; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdRear-Admiral John Bell is retiring from his post as deputy chairman of the authority on 28 February. I wish to take this opportunity to thank him for his excellent service first with the Police Complaints Board and then with the Police Complaints Authority. His knowledge and experience have made an outstanding contribution to the rapid establishment of the authority as a key part of the police complaints system.
John Pownall OBE, who has been a member of the authority since its establishment, has accepted my invitation to him to succeed to the vacant deputy chairman post from 1 March.
In addition, I have appointed Air Commodore, Stephen King, as a member of the authority. He will be taking up his appointment in the course of next month. I hope to announce a further new appointment shortly.