§ 27. Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will institute an inquiry into the circumstances in which the regular police force in Scotland lost 34 per cent. of its strength through resignation last year before the policemen and policewomen concerned had completed 10 years' service.
§ Mr. J. StuartResignations of regular police officers with less than 10 years' service amounted in 1951 to just over 2 per cent. of the total actual strength of the service. The figure is not abnormal as compared with other post-war years and would not justify the institution of a general inquiry.
§ Mr. MaitlandIs my right hon. Friend aware that the Report of the Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland shows that a total of 163 out of 471 police officers, men and women, who left the force did so within the first 10 years of their service?
§ Mr. StuartIf my hon. Friend would take the figure for the total police force he would find that resignations on these grounds amounted to only 2.2 per cent. and not 34 per cent.; and that is not abnormal.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that since this Government came into office it has had a most gloomy and depressing effect upon his hon. Friend the Member for Lanark (Mr. Patrick Maitland), and could he not do something to cheer him up?
§ Mr. StuartI will talk to him.