Part V

Economy, efficiency and effectiveness

Examinations
30
1
The Comptroller and Auditor General may carry out an examination of the Board’s compliance with the requirements of section 28.
2
If the Secretary of State directs the Comptroller and Auditor General to carry out an examination of the Board’s compliance with the requirements of section 28 in relation to specified functions, the Comptroller and Auditor General shall comply with the direction.
3
Before giving a direction under subsection (2), the Secretary of State shall consult the Comptroller and Auditor General.
4
Section 8 of the National Audit Act 1983 (right of Comptroller and Auditor General to obtain documents and information) applies in relation to an examination under this section as it applies to an examination under section 6 or 7 of that Act.
5
Where the Comptroller and Auditor General has carried out an examination under this section he shall issue a report.
6
A report—
a
shall mention any matter in respect of which the Comptroller and Auditor General believes as a result of the examination that the Board is failing to comply with the requirements of section 28;
b
may, if it mentions a matter under paragraph (a), recommend that the Secretary of State give a direction under section 31(2)(a) or (b).
7
The Comptroller and Auditor General shall send a copy of every report under this section to—
a
the Board;
b
the Chief Constable; and
c
the Secretary of State.
8
The Comptroller and Auditor General shall lay copies of every report under this section before each House of Parliament.
9
In section 41 of the 1998 Act (inspectors of constabulary) for subsection (4) there shall be substituted—
4
The inspectors shall—
a
if the Secretary of State so directs, carry out an inspection of the Board’s compliance with the requirements of section 28 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000;
b
carry out such other duties for the purpose of furthering the efficiency and effectiveness of the police, the police support staff and traffic wardens as the Secretary of State may from time to time direct;
c
make such reports as the Secretary of State may from time to time direct.
10
In section 42(1) of the 1998 Act (publication of certain reports of inspectors) after “under section 41(2) or (3)” there shall be inserted “and any report of an inspection under section 41(4)(a)”.