§ 33. Mr. Clark Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish Police Federation about pay and conditions in the police forces in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossI apologise in advance for the length of this reply. On 3rd February the Scottish Police Federation gave my Department a memorandum identical to the one given by the Police Federation of England and Wales to my right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary. The memorandum proposes a general increase in the pay of constables, the introduction of a five-day week, improvements in the scale and quality of police equipment and improvements in methods of management.
The proposals relating to pay and hours of duty are initially the concern of the Police Council for Great Britain, to which the Federation has referred them, and it would be improper for me to comment on them at this stage. The other questions are for the Scottish Police Council, and I hope to arrange for them to be discussed at a meeting with that body in March.
§ Mr. Clark HutchisonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great shortage of police in Scotland, and that many of the conditions in the forces are not good? What steps will he take to rectify the position?
§ Mr. RossIf the hon. Member will read the Answer that I gave on this point a few weeks ago he will see that we are seized of the situation and are taking it into account. It will be taken into account in the discussions that will take place.