§ 20. Sir J. Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the establishment of the police force in Scotland; and what is its present strength.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithAt 31st December last the total authorised regular establishment of the police forces in Scotland was 11,403 and the actual strength was 10,811.
§ Sir J. GilmourIn view of the ever-pressing duties performed by the police to combat crime and to deal with the rising number of motor cars, and also bearing in mind the stress put on the police during the recent coal strike, does my hon. Friend agree that it is time to review the strength of the police force and indeed to upgrade it?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithWhen we came to office the establishments of the police forces in Scotland were frozen. We shortly announced that we were to carry out a review and that review is now progressing. I am glad to say that in terms of establishment and manpower the police force in Scotland is at present at a record level.