43. Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the shortage of police officers in Scottish forces at the most recent date for which figures are available; and what were the comparable figures in each of the previous ten years.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithAt 30th September last the number of vacancies was 655, the lowest figure since 1963. The total strength was the highest on record. The following is a table of figures for previous years:
SCOTTISH POLICE FORCES: REGULAR POLICE ESTABLISHMENTS As at 31st December Establishment Increase/Decrease in establishment over previous year Vacancies 1961 9,699 +433 523 1962 10,107 +408 415 1963 10,244 +137 341 1964 10,869 +625 843 1965 11,077 +208 731 1966 11,163 +86 967 1967 11,206 +43 959 1968 11,169 -37 873 1969 11,199 +30 891 1970 11,228 +29 769 9 months to 30.9.71 11,317 +89 655