§ 21. Mr. James Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a further statement on the progress of negotiations on police pay.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithNegotiations on the current pay claim are still proceeding in the Police Council for the United Kingdom and my right hon. Friend has not yet received a recommendation from it. The council negotiators are meeting again tomorrow.
§ Mr. HamiltonWill the Minister take cognisance that the Prime Minister told us yesterday that more than 3 per cent. of civil servants received a 20 per cent. increase? Will that be the yardstick for the police? Many areas in Scotland are under-manned. Will not the Government fulfil their election promise to give the police a fair deal and a living wage?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithAs I am sure the hon. Gentleman appreciates, it would be quite wrong for me to comment on the merits of the claim while negotiations are proceeding. I entirely accept the need to strengthen the police. We gave that undertaking at the General Election, and we shall fulfil it.
§ Mr. DempseyIs the Minister aware that thousands of police officers who joined the police force after the war are due to retire after 25 years' service, and that this will be a tremendous drain on the police force in Scotland unless a substantial increase in salary is awarded?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI accept, as the hon. Gentleman said, that one of the biggest problems is wastage. Another problem is that which he mentioned of the police officers who are coming up to retirement. This matter will be taken into account in the negotiations.