§ Mr. MaginnisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions he has had with the Chief Constable of the RUC about plans to reduce the establishment of Special Branch; to what extent his plans are based on(a) political considerations and (b) research into the potential for both terrorist and organised crime; and if he will make a statement. [144682]
§ Mr. IngramThe Secretary of State discusses a broad range of policing issues with the Chief Constable on a regular basis. Changes will be implemented in the light of assessments of the security situation.