HC Deb 21 June 1967 vol 748 cc1715-6
47. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland by what number the police forces in Scotland were below their authorised establishments at the most recent date for which figures are available; and if he will indicate the shortage which existed in the same month of each of the previous three years.

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

989 at 31st May. In the three preceding years the figures were 769, 855 and 378.

Mr. Taylor

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that over 200 Glasgow policemen have left the force since the beginning of this year and only 50 have been recruited? In the face of the recent crime figures—particularly the figures for violent crime—and the serious manpower position, will the right hon. Gentleman abandon his deplorable complacency and tell the House what he intends to do about this situation?

Mr. Ross

The first thing I did when I read this Question was to check up. It seems that someone on the Glasgow Herald, having taken the fact that 101 had left, then took the constituent elements—that 66 had retired without pension, 20 with pension and 15 had transferred, making a total of 101 again—and added that to the other 101 and got a total of 202. In other words, the correct figure is 101. I advise the hon. Gentleman to check his figures before he makes such statements. The position is serious. The hon. Member will find that we have also raised the establishment, and that also makes a difference.

Mr. MacArthur

Does not the right hon. Gentleman accept that the substantial fall below establishment is a very serious matter at a time when the rate of crime is increasing and the rate of detection falling? Will he take urgent steps to bring these forces up to their established strength?

Mr. Ross

This is what we are doing. As the hon. Member knows, we have been examining this matter and taking action on reports coming foward from our advisory committee. The new pay scales will also help, as will the relaxa- tions in respect of matters not essential to police standards. These will help to bring in more people.

Mr. Taylor

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

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