Clause 5 - Duty of Director of
Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]
4:15 pm
Mr John Spellar (Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office; Warley, Labour)
The hon. Gentleman asked why the ombudsman should have a role in the first place, but he will recognise that the amended Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 provides that the DPP, along with the Policing Board, the Chief Constable and the Secretary of State may refer ''any matter'' to the police ombudsman. The ombudsman already has a role, and I am surprised that he is concerned about that.