§ 18. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will call for a report from the local authority with regard to the need for additional police in the Dunoon district arising from the basing of the "Proteus" and other United States vessels in the Holy Loch.
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteNo, Sir. But, if the police authority applies for an increase in establishment, my right hon. Friend will consider its application sympathetically.
§ Mr. RankinIs not the hon. Member aware that extra police have been drafted 955 into the Dunoon area? From where did the application for these extra police come? How much of the cost of maintaining these police will fall on the local rates? Does the hon. Gentleman realise that that is an important question, because of the complaints about high rates in Scotland?
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteAs I indicated in reply to a previous Question, additional expenditure on the police is nil. It is for the police authority in the first place to consider whether the extra duties falling on the police require additional strength. To date no application has been made for additional assistance.