§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is still their policy, as outlined by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 19 January 2000, that a new service badge will be introduced for the Police Service of Northern Ireland after the new Policing Board has had a chance to address this issue. [HL1524]
§ Lord Williams of Mostyn: Yes. Section 54 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 provides for the Secretary of State to make regulations as to emblems and flags. Before making any regulations under that section, the Secretary of State shall consult the Board, the Chief Constable, the Police Association and any other person or body appearing to him to have an interest in the matter. That consultation period started on 19 November. When the consultation has finished, the Secretary of State will lay the regulations before Parliament.