HC Deb 17 March 1938 vol 333 c596
77. Mr. Anstruther-Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the refusal of the Glasgow Town Council to accede to the request of the chief constable of Glasgow, supported by the police committee, for an increase of 163 officers to meet the additional duties imposed by the exhibition will entail men being drafted from other parts of the city, which will then be inadequately policed during this period; and whether he pro poses to take any action?

Mr. Elliot

After reviewing the policing arrangements for the whole of the City of Glasgow for the period of the Exhibition, the corporation applied for my approval to increase the police force by 50 men. On a careful consideration of all the circumstances I reached the conclusion that I would not be justified in regarding this increase as inadequate, and I approved the proposal. Forty-four police officers, including one policewoman, are to be employed within the Exhibition grounds. Seven additional male officers will therefore be available for ordinary duties in the city.

Mr. Anstruther-Gray

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that this will not entail an undue reduction in the police in other parts of the city during the period of the Exhibition?

Mr. Elliot

There is actually to be a slight increase in the police force in other parts of the city.