§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Lord Advocate if he will state the reason why the police constables in the counties of Scotland have been increased from 95.3 in 1861, or one constable to every 1,925 inhabitants, to 1,731 in 1896, or one constable to 1,209 inhabitants; and whether, in view of the low percentage of crime in Scotland, he considers this increased burden on the ratepayers justifiable?
§ * THE LORD ADVOCATEThe present strength of the County Constabulary in Scotland, made up to 31st December 1896, is 1,667, or one constable to 1,260 of the population. The increase in the numbers of each County Police Force is made on the recommendation of the Standing Joint Committee; and, having regard to the many duties thrown upon the police by new Acts of Parliament and otherwise, there seems no reason to think that the numbers have been unduly increased.