HC Deb 15 June 1966 vol 729 cc1427-9
1. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for the reorganisation of police forces in Scotland.

17. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for the amalgamation of the police forces in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. William Ross)

I hope to make a statement shortly.

Mr. Taylor

Would the Secretary of State agree that the loss of Scottish policemen to the Metropolitan Force, where there appear to be better promotion opportunities, is reaching alarming proportions? Will he press for a reorganisation which can offer better promotion prospects to Scottish policemen?

Mr. Ross

I think that the hon. Gentleman heard my Answer. I hope to make a statement shortly.

Mr. Hannan

For the information of the House and the discomfiture of the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor), can my right hon. Friend confirm that any such amalgamations could have been carried out in the 15 years since the passing of the 1950 legislation? Can he say how soon is "soon"?

Mr. Ross

I hope to make the statement before the end of this month. My hon. Friend is quite right. We thought that we had powers from 1950. If we had powers, we did not use them and, if the powers were not adequate, the then Government took no opportunity to put right the deficiencies.

Mr. Monro

When he is considering this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the criterion of establishment should not be the only one under consideration but that geographical area should be considered?

Mr. Ross

Yes, indeed.

15. Mr. Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent police forces in Scotland are under strength; and what proposals he has to remedy this.

Mr. Ross

On 30th April the actual strength of the police in Scotland was 751 below authorised establishment. The problem is one of wastage rather than recruitment, and a working party of the Police Advisory Board for Scotland is considering measures to check it.

Mr. Hutchison

As these figures are rather serious, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the pay and promotion prospects are sufficient?

Mr. Ross

The question of pay and promotion prospects is considered by another Department, as the hon. Gentleman knows. We are more concerned with wastage than with recruitment, because the wastage rate is quite high in the first years of entry into the force, and this is being examined now.

Mr. Steele

Does my right hon. Friend recall that in an Answer to a Question from me some time ago he indicated that a number of policemen were transferring from Scottish forces to forces south of the Border? In this inquiry will he try to ascertain the cause of this so that some solution to the problem may be found?

Mr. Ross

Yes, Sir.

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