§ Mr. StevensTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has any proposals for the reform of the general criminal law in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tom KingA proposal for a draft Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order has been published today by the Northern Ireland Office.
The order introduces a number of significant reforms to the general criminal law in Northern Ireland, (as distinct 629W from the emergency law) which are broadly in line with those which have already been adopted in England and Wales by way of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. The order provides the police with a range of new powers governing stop and search; entry, search and seizure; and arrest. But it carefully regulates these powers to ensure that they are used sparingly, responsibly and fairly.
The order balances the broadening of police powers by providing a comprehensive series of new safeguards to persons suspected of crime. In addition, it provides for the issue of codes of practice, replacing the judges' rules, and which will supplement the protection afforded to suspects, and clarify the duties and responsibilities of the police.
Furthermore, the order introduces measures to reform the law on evidence; provides for arrangements to be made to obtain the public's views on policing; and gives the Secretary of State power to set up an inquiry into any matter affecting policing in Northern Ireland.
Copies of the proposal for a draft order and the explanatory document have been placed in the Vote Office.