§ Mr. Peter RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements have been made for the appointment of a new Police Authority for Northern Ireland following the expiry of the term of office of the previous authority on 28 June; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Patrick MayhewI have appointed Mr. David Cook as chairman, Mr. Pat Armstrong CBE as vice-chairman and 18 members of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland, for a term of three years from 29 June 1994. In making the appointments I have, as required by statute, consulted organisations and persons representative of the community in Northern Ireland. I welcome the positive response that was made by almost all those consulted. As a result, the authority's members are drawn from a wide cross-section of the community, including the district councils, voluntary organisations, agriculture, industry and commerce. Continuity is provided by the reappointment of many individuals for a second term.
The police authority has a vital task to perform in securing the maintenance of an adequate and efficient police force. It also has a very important role to play in enhancing the relationship between the police and the public whom it serves. The authority has the additional challenge of helping to develop new structures for policing in Northern Ireland. I believe it will make a significant contribution in all those sectors.