§ Mr. StevensTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement concerning the outcome of representations he has received on his decision to set aside certain elements of the police negotiating board's recommendations on rent allowance.
§ Mr. BrookeAmending regulations were laid before both Houses of Parliament on 7 March. I have received representations about the effect of these on Royal Ulster Constabulary officers whose maximum limit of rent allowance was last reviewed in 1988, on the grounds that they are at a disadvantage when compared to officers in forces which had a review date in 1989. As a result of these representations I have therefore decided that Royal Ulster Constabulary officers should have their existing allowance increased as from 1 April by the movement in the retail prices index since the force maximum limit was last reviewed. Further amending regulations to give effect to my decision will be made as soon as possible.
This is in addition to the arrangements already provided for in the amending regulations whereby no officer in receipt of rent allowance on 31 March will receive less after that date than he was getting then.