HC Deb 10 April 1968 vol 762 cc1363-4
33. Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will announce his further proposals to deal with the increase in crimes of violence in Scotland.

Mr. Buchan

I have already informed the House of the action my right hon. Friend and I are taking for the prevention of crime and the protection of the public.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

But considering this in the short term, is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the question of the powers of search of the police for offensive weapons has now been under discussion for over six months? Is not this delay utterly inexcusable? Why this lack of decision and leadership?

Mr. Buchan

Despite the earlier questions, hon. Gentlemen still get it wrong. It was only in December—there is no question of a six months' delay—that, contrary to a previous point of view, the question of search was raised with me. This is what we are now discussing.

Mr. David Steel

Has the hon. Gentleman yet had time to consider my suggestion in a recent debate about examining the entry qualifications for the Scottish police force and the way in which some young possible recruits are recruited into the English force because of the different standards of entry?

Mr. Buchan

We have been having a look at this question of education in the police forces. This is important. One of the positive things coming out this month—hon. Members will be pleased at this—is the fact that, for the first three months, there has been a net increase of 83 in the Scottish police force, compared with only 51 for the whole of last year. This is very encouraging.