The Committees report examines the proposed restructuring of the four police forces in Wales, in light of the recommendations of the HMIC review ("Closing the gap: a review of the fitness for purpose of the current structure of policing in England and Wales" available at http://www.inspectorates.homeoffice.gov.uk/hmic/inspect_reports1/thematic-inspections/closinggap05.pdf) published in September 2005. Issues discussed include: the timetable for restructuring and provision for consultation; strategic policing needs in Wales; funding aspects and the impact on neighbourhood policing; and governance issues. The reports findings include: criticism that the tight timescale established for the restructuring process limited the scope for debate within police forces and police authorities, and for public consultation; and concern that the Governments approach to police restructuring across England and Wales reflects a failure to take sufficient account of the unique political, geographic and cultural characteristics of Wales.