HC Deb 30 March 1994 vol 240 cc830-1W
Mr. Maginnis

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will issue his consultation document on policing structures.

Sir John Wheeler

I am today issuing a paper entitled "Policing in the Community" which examines policing structures in the light of the considerable changes which have occurred in the Province since the present system was established a quarter of a century ago.

The existing structures have stood under the most difficult circumstances, but it is now time to examine the best means of further improving the effectiveness of the police service, while ensuring that it is properly accountable to the whole community. The paper proposes a strengthened framework for policing in Northern Ireland, by clarifying responsibilities and lines of accountability between the Secretary of State, the Police Authority and the Chief Constable. I believe that these changes will secure substantial improvements in the effectiveness and responsiveness of the arrangements for policing in Northern Ireland.

I have invited comments on the paper by 31 May 1994.