HC Deb 25 July 1978 vol 954 cc676-7W
Mr. Fairgrieve

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the percentage detection rate for crimes and offences, respectively, for the five latest available years.

Mr. Harry Ewing

The percentage detection rate for crimes and offences respectively for the five latest available years is shown below:

Crimes Offences
1973 40.0 87.9
1974 39.9 88.4
1975 (adjusted) 38.8 87.8
1975 (actual) 35.5 87.8
1976 31.5 85.6
1977* 28.3 81.2
Note: Local government and police force reorganisation in 1975 caused changes in recording practices which rendered 1975 figures not comparable with those for earlier years. Adjusted 1975 figures are consistent with 1974 and earlier years, while actual 1975 figures are consistent with 1976 and later years.
*1977 figures are provisional.