§ 43. Mr. Dewarasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total cost of manning and equipping the police force in Scotland in 1969; and what was the comparable figure in 1964.
§ Mr. BuchanThe total cost of manning and equipping the police force in Scotland (including capital expenditure) during the years ended 15th May, 1964 and 15th May, 1969 was £17.1 million and £25.9 million respectively.
§ Mr. DewarWill my hon. Friend accept that this quite notable increase does a good deal to explain the fact that the rising tide of violence has been checked and rolled back for the first time this year in Scotland? With crimes against the person in Glasgow having dropped this year by 10.5 per cent., does this not show what can be achieved by police work and social work agencies when they get the necessary resources and when the Government give high priority to the problem?
§ Mr. BuchanI am obliged to my hon. Friend. It is true that we are beginning to see the results of some of the resources being put into the fight for law and order and against crime.
§ Mr. MacArthurCould the hon. Gentleman say by how much the strength of the police force in Scotland has fallen below establishment?
§ Mr. BuchanI am afraid that I cannot answer that Question off the cuff, but we have about 300 more police than we had in 1964 and police manpower is about 1,000 more than in 1964.