HC Deb 20 November 1974 vol 881 cc1314-5
41. Mr. Rifkind

asked the Lord Advocate whether he has any plans to meet the Scottish Police Federation.

The Lord Advocate

I have no plans to meet the Scottish Police Federation.

Mr. Rifkind

As it is the police who will have the onerous duty of trying to enforce the picketing proposals of the present Government, should they ever reach the statute book, ought not the Lord Advocate to meet them in order to discover their views? Does he not realise that his own position as the chief incarnation of the Scottish legal system will be gravely endangered by legislation that challenges the rule of law in this country?

The Lord Advocate

I am aware of the views of the police on the matter of picketing. It is not an easy matter, and I do not think that it is one which would be helped by an off-the-cuff answer.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

In the interests of maintaining the very high morale and efficiency of the Scottish police force, will the Lord Advocate take steps to ensure that the Secretary of State plays no part in the forthcoming salary negotiations?

The Lord Advocate

No, Sir.

Mr. David Steel

Both in his ministerial capacity and as a Member of Parliament for a Lothian constituency, will the Lord Advocate take note of the representations of the Lothian Regional Council and of the Border Regional Council against the amalgamation of their police forces, and will he use his influence with his inflexible colleagues in the Scottish Office to see that it is unscrambled?

The Lord Advocate

This is not a question for me, although it is true that as a constituency Member I have an interest in the matter. My views have been expressed.