HC Deb 01 July 1958 vol 590 cc1059-60
24. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total numbers of resignations of constables from police forces in Scotland in 1956 and 1957; and what were the total number of new entrants.

Mr. N. Macpherson

In 1956, the number of male recruits to the Scottish police forces was 747: the total wastage, including retirements, during the year was 359, of whom 162 resigned. The corresponding figures for 1957 were 581, 492 and 251 respectively.

Mr. Rankin

Do not these figures alarm the Joint Under-Secretary, in view of the fact that there has been a startling increase in the number of crimes and offences over the last ten years? What steps is he now taking to increase the strength of the police forces in Scotland?

Mr. Macpherson

Recruitment for this year has not been discouraging; in fact, so far, it is up on last year. We should keep this matter in proportion. At the end of May of this year 24 out of the 33 Scottish forces were only five or less under strength.