HC Deb 22 July 1968 vol 769 cc26-8W
Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many police officers were recruited by Scottish

January February March April May June Totals
Recruitment … … 99 95 90 102 72 51 509
Losses … … 86 45 70 76 81 80 438

I regret an error in the Oral Answer given to the hon. Member on 3rd July. The figures for total recruitment and total losses contained therein related to the first five months of 1968, not to the first six months as stated in the answer.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he recently advised certain Scottish police authorities to curtail the recruitment of police officers; and how long the restrictions will last.

Mr. Ross

Because there has been, in the first six months of 1968, a marked change in the trend of police recruitment with a consequent rise in police strength from which is appeared that, unless steps were taken to limit recruitment, the expenditure target for 1968–69 would be exceeded.

Movements in recruitment and losses will be kept under constant review and the restrictions will be lifted as soon as it is possible to do so without endangering the expenditure target.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what study he has made of the extent to which potential police officers who are denied admission to Scottish police forces on account of the recent restrictions on recruitment will seek to join forces where there is a severe shortage.

Mr. Ross

Since the restrictions on recruitment were introduced as recently as 10th July, there has been no opportunity to assess their effect on redeploying manpower to the forces in greatest need. I have, however, suggested to police authorities and chief constables that where inquiries about recruitment to the police service are received by forces which, for the time being, are unable to accept recruits, applicants should be advised to seek appointment in those forces which are seriously under strength and that the names of such forces should be given to applicants.

forces in each of the first six months of 1968; and how many were lost to the forces in the same months.

Mr. Ross

The following figures include men and women: