§ 19. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will define the nature and topographical jurisdiction of the new section in his Department for improving the efficiency of the police; what steps are being taken to include in its functions a study of police forces in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CallaghanThe new organisation will take over the work previously done by the Police Research and Development Branch and extend it into the field of programme-budgeting and management services. As an advisory organisation it will be available to assist police forces in any part of the United Kingdom. Forces in Scotland will be welcome to 1534 co-operate in its work and will be kept fully informed of the results of its studies.
§ Mr. HughesWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that whatever reorganisation he carries out elsewhere, the police in Aberdeen act with efficiency and success with the result that Aberdeen, for that reason and others, is a most orderly city of good citizenship and happiness—even during football matches?
§ Mr. CallaghanI am happy to receive that encomium on behalf of Aberdeen. I only regret that I am not responsible for that force.
§ Mrs. EwingDid I understand the Home Secretary to indicate that here was another organisation for which Scotland was not to have full autonomy? Will he bear in mind that the Scottish police act as a unit and are very proud of this position? Will he clarify the matter?
§ Mr. CallaghanThe hon. Lady is always looking for bogies under every bed. I am sure that she will be relieved to learn that Scottish officers have been playing a full part in the past in the Police Research and Development Branch. I am not altogether aware that crime in Scotland is so different from that in any other part of the United Kingdom.