§ 54. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the amalgamation of the three northern police forces promoted by Her Majesty's Government has so far involved extra expenditure amounting to over £14,000 or, in the case of Shetland, 4d. to 6d. on the rates; if he will assist Zetland County Council to meet the extra expenditure; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossI am not aware that the total level of expenditure for the three northern police forces, which is affected by police pay increases and other factors, has increased by virtue of their amalgamation. The incidence of expenditure as between the three authorities is governed by the formula in the Amalgamation Order accepted by the constituent authorities themselves. The rate poundage fixed by any authority will depend on its control of expenditure as a whole. Account was taken of estimated police expenditure in the recent rate support grant settlement; and I have invited the local authority associations to inform me about increases which in their opinion have occurred in the interval.