To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many written questions from hon. Members on policing matters in Northern Ireland were answered via referrals to the Chief Constable in (a) January and February 2008 and (b) January and February 2009. (268728)

The Department changed its policy on answering police operational questions in September 2008. Prior to this date information requested was obtained from the Chief Constable and then included in a substantive answer. The Department now refers such questions to the Chief Constable for him to respond directly to the Member. A copy of the letter is then placed in the Library.

In January and February of 2008 no questions were referred to the Chief Constable. The Department did, however, obtain information from the PSNI on 26 occasions over this period.

In January and February of 2009, 27 questions were referred directly to the Chief Constable.