§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish Police Federation on police pay and conditions; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellI have received one representation from a branch board of the Scottish Police Federation in my capacity as a constituency Member and I have replied to the board in that capacity. Three right hon. and hon. Members have written to me enclosing a memorandum prepared by the Police Federations setting out their case for higher pay. I have replied that in the Police Council, established by Parliament, the Police Federation has negotiating machinery which provides ample opportunity for them to state and argue their case, and that the Official Side of the Council is equally concerned with the efficiency of the police service.
§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to improve the morale and efficiency of the police in Scotland.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellThe police service have my full backing in carrying out their difficult duties. In conjunction with police authorities, I propose to see that they are provided with the best equipment available, and an extensive programme of new police building is planned. I have announced my intention to review police establishments; a joint recruiting campaign is planned; pay is under review; and with the help of the police associations I shall keep up to date164W the regulations affecting police conditions of service.