§ Mr. HopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements have been made for the appointment of a new Police Authority for Northern Ireland to succeed the present Authority whose term of office expires on 28 June.[127323]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe Police Authority has a vital task to perform in securing the maintenance of an effective and efficient police force. It also has a very important role to play in continuing to enhance the relationship between the police and the public it serves in the period before the planned Policing Board takes over from the Authority.
I have therefore appointed the current Chairman, Vice-Chairman and 16 members of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland to serve from 29 June 2000 for a further three years (as required by statute) or until the Policing Board takes over from them, probably at the end of March 2001. I have also appointed four new members and in making those appointments I have, as required by the Police (NI) Act 1998, consulted the 26 local district councils. In addition, and in accordance with the guidelines issued by Dame Rennie Fritchie, the Commissioner for Public Appointments, applications for appointment were invited from other individuals. As a result, the Authority widely represents the community and will provide a necessary measure of continuity in the period leading to establishment of the Policing Board.