§ Mr. BrandrethTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what responses he has received to the consultation document "Policing in the Community"; and if he will make a statement.
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Full-time employees Male Self employed Total male population3 full-time and self employed per cent. September 1984 245,600 51,700 39.1 September 1987 239,500 58,900 38.6 September 1989 244,300 59,900 39.1
§ Sir Patrick MayhewThe consultation paper "Policing in the Community" was published on 29 March, and widely distributed. More than half the bodies which received copies responded. Ministers and officials held constructive meetings with representatives of some 30 organisations, including the representatives of members of constitutional political parties.
The process of consultation on policing issues was warmly welcomed. The consultation paper was necessarily cast in general terms, and some respondents called for more detail on major proposals. There was a clear agreement on the need for some reform and an evident wish for the continuation of a tripartite structure, with attention addressed to the respective roles and responsibilities of the Secretary of State, the Chief Constable and of the Police Authority. The operational independence of the Chief Constable was valued, and the integrity and efficiency of the RUC was widely recognised.
Respondents stressed the importance of responsive, effective, impartial and fair policing in the development of a peaceful and harmonious society. The need for a balanced and careful approach to this end in a changing society was widely recognised.
These responses and the widening of the debate since the cessation of violence by the IRA and the loyalist paramilitaries have reinforced the need for reform, approached in a careful and measured way. In particular, I consider it important to strengthen the statutory protection for the impartiality, integrity and freedom from partisan influence of the police, and to create stronger and more effective statutory accountability mechanisms. These will encourage dialogue between the police and the community, as well as give the Chief Constable greater freedom to manage and deploy efficiently the considerable resources devoted to policing.
Accordingly, work is in hand to develop ideas, with the benefit of continued consultation, for legislation which will meet these objectives, clarify and strengthen the respective roles of the Secretary of State, the Police Authority and the Chief Constable, and help to enhance the provision of an efficient, effective and responsive police service, enjoying the wholehearted support and partnership of the entire society it exists to serve. I look forward over the coming months to further valuable and wide-ranging dialogue.