Mr. Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con): What his policy is on the appointment to ministerial office in the Northern Ireland Executive of people who do not support the police. [72226]
The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. David Hanson): The Government believe that all parties, especially those holding ministerial office in a restored Northern Ireland Executive, should support policing arrangements in Northern Ireland.
Mr. Dunne: I thank the Minister for that reply. Can he conceive of any democracy-for example, the Republic of Ireland-in which Ministers hold office in an Executive without supporting the police? Will he support my call for Assembly Ministers to sign a new pledge of office to support the police and uphold the rule of law?
Mr. Hanson: The Government believe that support for the police should come from all political parties and I am encouraging all parties to play their role in the Policing Board. We currently have a pledge of office in place and I confirmed in a debate last week that we can discuss making revisions to it and having a new pledge if that is what people want. I am happy to discuss that with all parties.
