HL Deb 14 November 2000 vol 619 cc32-3WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is their intention to keep to the absolute minimum the grounds upon which the Chief Constable and the Secretary of State may restrict the freedom of the police board to initiate inquiries under Clause 60 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill. [HL4526]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The grounds upon which the Chief Constable may refer a board inquiry to the Secretary of State for the latter to overrule are set out in the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill.

The Government believe that these restrictions on the board's inquiry power are at an absolute minimum.