(1)Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Constabulary must inspect the Constabulary from time to time.
(2)Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Constabulary must also inspect the Constabulary if requested to do so by the Secretary of State either—
(a)generally; or
(b)in respect of a particular matter.
(3)Before carrying out an inspection under this section wholly or partly in Scotland, Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Constabulary must consult the Scottish inspectors—
(a)in the case of any inspection by virtue of subsection (1) or (2)(a), about the scope and conduct in Scotland of the proposed inspection; and
(b)in any other case, about its conduct in Scotland.
(4)Following an inspection under this section, Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Constabulary must report to the Secretary of State on the efficiency and effectiveness of the Constabulary either—
(a)generally; or
(b)in the case of an inspection under subsection (2)(b), in respect of the matter to which the inspection related.
(5)A report under subsection (4) must be in such form as the Secretary of State may direct.
(6)The Secretary of State must arrange for every report which he receives under subsection (4) to be published in such manner as appears to him to be appropriate.
(7)The Secretary of State may exclude from publication under subsection (6) any part of a report if, in his opinion, the publication of that part—
(a)would be against the interests of national security; or
(b)might jeopardise the safety of any person.
(8)The Secretary of State must send a copy of the published report—
(a)to the Police Authority; and
(b)to the chief constable.
(9)The Police Authority must pay to the Secretary of State such amounts as he may determine in respect of an inspection carried out under this section.
(10)The Secretary of State must pay sums received by him under subsection (9) into the Consolidated Fund.
(11)In this section “the Scottish inspectors” means the inspectors of constabulary appointed under section 33(1) of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967 (c. 77).