§ Mr. GallieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a statement on the role of Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary in Scotland.
§ Mr. LangThe citizens charter highlighted the importance of the role of the main public service inspectorates in checking that the service providers meet the needs of the public which they serve, and the "Justice Charter for Scotland" which I published in November 1991 provided undertakings as to the manner in which Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary for Scotland would perform this role. Further information about the inspectorate is provided in a leaflet under the title "The Role of HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, Scotland" which I have published today.
The leaflet incorporates a statement of principles for the inspectorate which focuses on the key principles of independence, openness, lay involvement and objectivity. It also explains the role and organisation of the inspectorate, and describes the process of annual inspection of police forces in Scotland. Particular attention is drawn to the arrangements which are made by the inspectorate to obtain the view of members of the public and to ensure that the public have access to the reports of their inspections. The leaflet will be available in police stations and in public libraries throughout Scotland.
I have placed copies of the leaflet in the Library.