§ Rev. Ian PaisleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the number and names of the groups and organisations which are to be consulted by the Police Authority for Northern Ireland with regard to changes in the structure of the Royal Ulster Constabulary; and what is the estimated cost of this exercise.
§ Sir John WheelerThis is a matter for the Police Authority for Northern Ireland. However, I understand that, in pursuit of its statutory obligation to make arrangements for obtaining the views of people about policing, after consulting the Chief Constable the authority wishes to give as many individuals, community groups and organisations as possible the opportunity to have their say about future policing needs and priorities in Northern Ireland. Accordingly, the authority plans to provide information about the consultation exercise to each household in Northern Ireland. Accordingly, the authority plans to provide information about the consultation exercise to each household in Northern Ireland and to invite views from political and religious groupings, business and trade union organisations, justice, peace, legal, community, sporting, social, charity and youth bodies. Including newspaper advertisements, printing and postage, the cost of the project is estimated at £70,000. The authority is seeking responses by 2 May 1995.