Police and Justice Bill

moved Amendment No. 59:"Page 81, line 34, at end insert—" ““ For section 16 there is substituted— ““APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE (1)   A police authority established under section 3 of this Act shall appoint a person to be the chief executive of the authority. (2)   The Metropolitan Police Authority shall appoint a person to be the chief executive of the Metropolitan Police Authority.”””” The noble Baroness said: The amendment, which refers to the appointment of a chief executive, would change the description of the chief police authority officer from clerk to chief executive, which is seen to be rather less antiquated and more reflective of a modern service. ““Clerk”” is such an old-fashioned term and does not adequately describe the job. It reeks of quills and dusty ledgers, and is far removed from the highly skilled, legalistic and professional role now performed by all current clerks of police authorities. Names mean different things to different people. Chief executive is a much more understandable and accurate name, donating a modern, up-to-date service. I hope that the Minister will agree to this small but important amendment, and put his faith in a deeply committed, hard working able body of men and women. I beg to move.