§ 19. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the shortage of police in Glasgow as stated in the annual report of the Chief Constable; and what steps he proposes to take in this connection.
Mr. McNeilI am aware of the shortage of policemen in Glasgow, and I have no reason to doubt that the police authority and the Chief Constable are taking all practicable steps to fill the vacancies.
§ Colonel HutchisonWhile I do not want to indicate that Glasgow is any more lawless than any other large city, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that a shortage of 140 in the diminishing numbers of the Glasgow police and the increase in crime in 1950 over 1949 need some action to be taken by him, and immediately?
Mr. McNeilI think the hon. and gallant Gentleman will agree that since the new rates of pay were introduced there has been a steady addition of men 15 to the force. The shortage at this moment is 151 men out of a total authorised force of 2,332.
§ Mrs. BraddockIn view of the fact that this position applies not only to Glasgow, and that the police of this country are anxiously waiting for a meeting of the Police Council, will my right hon. Friend communicate with his right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to see what date in the near future the Police Council can meet?