Clause 3
6:00 pm
Vernon Coaker (Minister of State (Policing, Crime & Security), Home Office; Gedling, Labour)
I only just thought of it, but the hon. Gentleman probably thought of it earlier, which is why he asked the question.
In all seriousness, there is no ulterior motive for the clause. It does not seek to fix any problem. Given the focus on performance, the enhanced role of police authorities and the operation of PDRs for chief constables, which is being looked at by Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary, it seems appropriate to include in the Bill the possibility of building in flexibility. Were more terminations to occur—I do not expect or desire that to happen—the clause would provide the flexibility for police authorities to act appropriately and properly with respect to chief officers. It will give them the opportunity to pay the appropriate compensation to chief officers, should they choose to leave or should it be agreed that they leave before the end of their fixed term contract. I hope that those remarks satisfy the hon. Gentleman.