Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the Justice in Wales Working Group consulted the (a) Police Commissioners, (b) Police Chiefs and (c) Police Federation in Wales prior to the publication of its report on devolution.
The Justice in Wales Working Group concluded in December 2016. At that time, the Working Group reported to UK Government ministers and the Lord Chief Justice on the importance of mutual cooperation on justice matters between the Welsh Government and the UK Government.
It is a matter for the Welsh Government to determine how its proposed Commission will consult. We fully expect the Welsh Government and the Commission will continue to work with the Ministry of Justice going forward.
As stated by Lord Bourne during the Report Stage of the Wales Bill (Hansard reference: Wales Bill Lords Report Day 1,Column 1265), the UK Government considers that there should be an ongoing review of the justice system in Wales, carried out by an independent advisory committee. This committee will examine and make recommendations on how justice services can continue to reflect the distinctiveness of Wales. This committee will be established shortly and will represent devolved interests and those within the justice system.
The Working Group’s review was discussed at a meeting of the All Wales Criminal Justice Board in October 2016, at which there was Police and Crime Commissioner representation. The Working Group did not meet Police Commissioners, Police Chiefs or Police Federation in Wales directly, as the Working Group’s terms of reference were focussed on strengthening the administrative arrangements that underpins the way in which Assembly laws become fully embedded in the justice system.
During its period of review, the Working Group consulted the judiciary and individuals from the following organisations: