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Proceeding contribution from Baroness Henig (Labour) in the House of Lords on Thursday, 9 June 2011. It occurred during Committee of the Whole House (HL) and Debate on bill on Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill.


Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill

I accept that point. If it is a legally backed concept that has a very clear set of conditions attached to it, it is a very different matter from the way that I have been interpreting it, so it would be useful to have that clarification. On the timing of the issuing of the document, I hear what the Minister says about flexibility, and that is obviously important. However, part of me has a suspicion that documents are sometimes delayed for convenience rather than flexibility. We have known that in the past. Documents have not been available in a timely way, particularly when they have come from the centre. I wanted to emphasise the importance of forces getting the document as early as possible. I accept the flexibility issue provided that that is the cause of the delay, rather than convenience at the centre, which has sometimes resulted in documents appearing late. I listened very intently as regards the inspections role. My concern with inspections is that they should not be optional. If they are optional, then the good commissioners will have them, because that is how they work, while those who need them are precisely the ones who will not ask. I listened intently, as I said, and I got the sense that the Minister is saying that inspections will carry on very much as they are now, which is exactly what I want to happen. If that is what he is saying then I am delighted. However, I have not found that in the Bill—perhaps I am not looking in the right place. If inspections of commissioners and commissions are to continue as they are now, I am very pleased, because I think that that is the right way forward.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
728 c400 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Complaints Children Abuse Accountability Clubs Discipline Alcoholic drinks Anti-social behaviour Civil proceedings British Transport Police Inspections Health and safety Exemptions Licensed premises HM Inspectorate of Constabulary Protection Police Nuisance Powers Public places Licensing laws Noise Police authorities Off-licences Music Standards Sales Young people Young offenders Reform Trespass Serious Organised Crime Agency Music festivals Police and crime commissioners National Crime Agency Police and crime panels Youth rehabilitation orders
Legislation
Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill 2010-12
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk