§ 26. Mr. William Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the progress of negotiations for the amalgamation of the police forces in Ayrshire.
§ Mr. WoodburnThe police authorities for the county of Ayr and the burghs of Ayr and Kilmarnock were informed in June that unless they submitted to me by 31st October a satisfactory amalgamation scheme covering the three police areas, I proposed myself to make a scheme under the powers given to me by Section 2 of the Police (Scotland) 1064 Act, 1946. No scheme was submitted to me by the end of October, and I shall shortly give to the three police authorities notice of the general nature of the scheme which I propose to make.
§ Mr. RossIn view of the fact that Kilmarnock burgh has delayed the appointment of a Chief Constable for more than a year will my right hon. Friend carry on with his idea of getting this amalgamation as speedily as possible, for the benefit of the county and the burgh?
§ Mr. WoodburnYes, Sir.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreWill that scheme be open to examination or debate in this House?
§ Mr. WoodburnNo, Sir.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesWhat are the Minister's qualifications for making such a scheme?