HC Deb 01 February 2002 vol 379 cc605-6W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made by the Chief Constable towards the publication of a Code of Ethics for the Police Service of Northern Ireland; and if he will place a copy of the draft Code in the Library. [29779]

Jane Kennedy

As required by section 52(3) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000, the Chief Constable submitted a draft of the Code of Ethics to the Northern Ireland Policing Board, on 31 December 2001. As the Act makes clear, publication of the Code of Ethics is a matter for the Policing Board.

Before issuing or revising the code the Board must consult the Police Association, the Secretary of State, the ombudsman, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and any other person or body appearing to the Board to have an interest in the matter. I understand that the Board began the formal consultation process on 24 January and that the closing date is 1 April. The Board have kindly permitted me to lay a copy of the draft Code in the Library.