§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when he will make available the report of the triennial review by the Independent Commission for Police Complaints for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Patrick MayhewThe report has been laid today. It reviews the working of articles 4 to 16 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 during the period 1991–1994.
This is the second such report from the commission, which was established in 1988. I am glad to note that it is satisfied with the statutory procedures in the order for the handling of complaints from the public against individual police officers. However, it has made six recommendations which it considers will further enhance these procedures and, before reaching any decision on them, I intend consulting with the various interested bodies. I shall report to the House further in due course.
I am grateful to the commission for the considerable effort that has been put into the preparation of the report. The commission, by its fair and thorough handling of individual complaints, has already done much to improve the relationship between the police and the public it serves. Its triennial review is further evidence that it is concerned to ensure that the complaints system operates efficiently, effectively and impartially for all the parties involved and, most important, that it is seen to do so.
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