§ 52. Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, under the Police (Special Constables) (Scotland) Regulations 1966, he proposes to give chief constables adequate powers to engage constables as often as is deemed necessary in order to combat growing violence, vandalism, and the rising crime wave in the respective areas concerned.
§ Mr. RossChief constables are already authorised to appoint many more special constables than exist at present, 509W and I hope that the new provisions that I have recently introduced will help recruitment. Special constables are appointed and trained over substantial periods, not for individual operations. It is primarily the task of the regular police to maintain law and order.